Q&A with EE’s First-Ever Chief of Staff, Genevieve Mack

Genevieve Mack joins Emily’s Entourage as its first-ever Chief of Staff.

We are thrilled to share that Genevieve Mack has officially joined Emily’s Entourage (EE) as our first-ever Chief of Staff. In a recent interview, we learned more about Genevieve’s hobbies, habits, the significance of her role, and the motivation driving her decision to join EE.

What’s your go-to morning ritual to kickstart your day with energy and focus?

First — coffee. Always. With coffee in hand, I spend time with my kiddo and get him off to school before logging some type of workout — a run, a walk, or an OrangeTheory class.  My most energetic and productive days start with a combination of exercise and caffeine.

What’s the last book you read that left a lasting impression on you, and what did you take away from it?

I just finished “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller. It was a powerful and heart-wrenching memoir of a sexual assault survivor. It really opened my eyes to how our society and legal system contribute to the trauma endured by victims of sexual assault. 

Share with us a hobby or passion of yours that might surprise people

I love to knit. For my seventh birthday, my aunt, who was an avid, skilled knitter, got me knitting lessons at a local yarn store. Every Saturday for a month, she would take me to those classes, and I loved both the solo time with her and learning to knit. It is a hobby that has kept me in great company through the years.

What attracted you to Emily’s Entourage?

My father was a doctor, so healthcare and medicine were often discussed around the dinner table. While my professional life has primarily focused on education, in my personal life, I’ve witnessed the people I love battle chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, Lupus, and spinal and traumatic brain injuries. When I left my last role, I knew that I wanted to work on a small, mission-focused team, so when I was introduced to Emily’s Entourage and met Emily, Liza, Annie, and the rest of the team, it became clear that this was where I wanted to land — a place where my professional skills can complement this incredible team in service of this essential mission. It feels like such a privilege to join the EE family!

What inspired you to pursue a career in nonprofit leadership, and how has that journey shaped your approach to your role as Chief of Staff? 

Quite frankly, I stumbled on a career in nonprofit leadership. I began my career as a teacher at both the elementary and high school levels before leaving the classroom and accepting a job on the program side of a youth development non-profit. Each subsequent role has provided me with unique experiences and essential skills that directly transfer into my role as Chief of Staff.

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that make a successful Chief of Staff?

Some of the key qualities essential for a Chief of Staff are dependability, versatility, and being an expert juggler, skilled communicator, and strong relationship builder. 

Collaboration is often crucial in nonprofit work. How do you plan to foster a culture of teamwork and communication within the organization as Chief of Staff?
I think the key to collaboration is strong relationships. The best teams I’ve ever been a part of are those where folks cared about each other as people and were committed to the whole team rowing in the same direction. I aim to foster a culture of transparency where team members feel respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work.