Jefferson Foundation director has spent career helping others
(by Kathleen Ganster)
Mary Phan-Gruber has always wanted to help others. Since serving as a Vista Volunteer after she graduated from Muskingum College — to her new role as the executive director of Jefferson Regional Foundation, Every professional position that Ms. Phan-Gruber has held has had some component of helping others.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a helping profession,” she said.
Ms. Phan-Gruber, 57, started as the executive director at the Jefferson Foundation on Nov. 4. The job has her serving the Jefferson Regional Medical Center through grant making, education and outreach.
Her years of experience and education are a good match for this new phase in her career. Ms. Phan-Gruber worked in vocational rehabilitation after her stint with Vista and after four years, she realized in order to continue to progress in career, she should pursue a master’s degree in social work.
In this role, Ms. Phan-Gruber will spearhead the efforts of the foundation.