Emmaus’ Director of Philanthropy Gretchen Arntz has been named this year’s Jerry Loy Outstanding Director of the Year Award from the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Gretchen received the award on June 9 at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Dinner.
This award is presented annually to a member of the Chamber’s current board of directors who goes above and beyond in their efforts to support the chamber’s mission, its programs and events, and the organization’s financial viability. The winner is identified by their commitment to doing anything at any time with a pleasant and positive attitude and always responding to the call of duty.
Gretchen’s career spans more than 40 years in service to those in need, the last 35 of which have been with Emmaus. She is a founding board member of Emmaus and is a member of the agency’s senior leadership team. She is also a member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee and founding member of the Merrimack Valley Alliance for Racial Equity.
“Personally, Gretchen…is [known] for her kindness and care…[she] never stops giving—her time, her energy or her heart,” said Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce CEO Alex Eberhardt as she presented Gretchen with the award. “She works tirelessly for this chamber, answers every single one of my phone calls and is a true barrier breaker and problem solver. She was one of the first people from Haverhill I ever had the pleasure of knowing. The impact she has had on me, the chamber and this Executive Chamber is immeasurable.”
Emmaus’ CEO Jeanine Murphy spoke of how much Gretchen impacts Emmaus and the greater Haverhill community.
“Her drive to create much needed resources for our programs has led the way for our philanthropy department in expansions in fund raising, events, in-kind donors, volunteer opportunities, grant writing and annual VISTA volunteers,” said Jeanine.
“Gretchen’s tireless work makes our essential programs operate effectively with much needed financial support. Without our philanthropy department the financial deficit would be enormous!”
“All of us at Emmaus are very proud of Gretchen’s accomplishments within the Greater Haverhill community and this award is well deserved! Bravo!!”
