Unsung Hero: Grace Moore, Hammond School

Grace Moore expertly led recovery efforts following a fire at the Hammond School, all while ensuring the school's financial stability.

Aug 21, 2024

grace moore
The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools and exemplify exceptional integrity, knowledge and motivation. At the end of each school year, new Unsung Heroes receive their award from their head of school, often at a significant school occasion such as a board meeting or an all-school ceremony. What makes these Unsung Heroes so special? The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.

See a full list of the 2024 recipients. Stay tuned throughout the summer for additional profiles.

Title: Chief Financial Officer 
School:
Hammond School

Superpower: Resilience: Following a devastating fire within one of Hammond’s lower school buildings, Moore took charge of recovery efforts. She served as the primary point of contact and led all communications throughout the rebuild, which was completed in just five months, allowing students to return to the school.

“During those first few weeks, you would often see [Moore] putting on her ‘fire shoes’ to walk through the debris to identify even the smallest semblance of items needed to be restored,” recounted Head of School Andy North. “She's the first to literally jump into the fire, and that [applies to] her practice managing the finances of Hammond School, which is flourishing under her watch."

Detail-oriented: She collaborated with insurance professionals on-site, thoroughly documenting every item for reimbursement, down to the last pencil. Additionally, she is managing a challenging insurance settlement.

Mover, shaker, surplus maker: Under Grace Moore's financial stewardship, Hammond School has consistently maintained a budget surplus every year of her tenure. “Her exceptional budgeting skills and deep understanding of the school’s operational mechanisms are evident in the precise financial outcomes annually,” said North.

A listening ear: Colleagues often turn to Moore for her sound advice and empathetic listening, whether for professional or personal concerns. “She maintains great intentionality and care with any comment or opinion she utters,” said North. “Everyone knows that Grace is simply too good not to ask [for advice].”


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