Getting to Know: Mary Crowther, Development Associate
Following is a Q&A to get to know Mary Crowther, Development Associate, who began working at the National Health Council (NHC) in October 2019.
Putting Patients First (PFF) Blog: Why did you want to work for the NHC?
I have always had a deep desire to work for an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. The NHC’s goal to promote increased access to affordable, sustainable, high-value health care is something near and dear to my heart. People should not have to pay more for quality care, and everybody should have access. The NHC is continuously working to provide a united voice for patients. That is why I wanted to work for the NHC, I want to play a role in this work. I am honored to work for an organization that has an unending commitment to make the lives of the people we serve better.
PFF Blog: What is your favorite thing about working at the NHC?
The people. The staff and members are experts in their fields. I am surrounded by dedicated individuals. I love learning why everybody is so passionate about their work. I am excited to come to work every day to learn and share in this passion.
PFF Blog: What project are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
I am currently working on scheduling meetings with all our sponsors. As I embark on my third month, I am eager to foster and build relationships with our sponsors. They not only bring support to our projects and programs, they also bring more great minds to collaborate with and lived experiences to learn from. The more people we can learn from the better. I look forward to sharing ideas and learning about what motivates their work.
PFF Blog: What’s the best part about living and working in Washington, D.C.?
I have only been in D.C. three months, but I love it already! It is a vibrant place to live and work. The city is full of people from all over the country and the world. Every corner is steeped in history. The best part is that my twin brother lives here too. We have not lived in the same city for six years. We enjoy exploring the museums and trying out new restaurants. I am taking recommendations!
PFF Blog: Tell us about your previous work on the board of a non-profit in North Carolina.
I was a board member of Mitchell’s Fund, a local non-profit in Charlotte, NC in 2019. I was introduced to the Executive Director by a mutual contact years before I knew the mission would become a very important topic in my life. Mitchell’s Fund supports children and their families when a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. They assist families with housing, utilities, medical and mental health needs, and travel bills – all the costs that pile up when you have a loved one in the hospital. After watching my cousin battle pediatric cancer, I was determined to help other families going through similar situations. As a board member, I organized fundraising events, wrote press releases, and used my personal experiences to help others. It was gratifying to know we were helping families just like mine.
