Member Spotlight: Marc Walby
President’s Circle Member, Board Member
Joined: 2007
Born: Newport, Wales
Lives: Upper West Side, Manhattan
What brought you to New York? After starting my career in London, I was living and working in South America when the company I was with transferred me to New York to take on an Americas regional role. Little did I know at that time that New York would become my second home.
How did you learn about St. George’s Society? A good question and I’m not 100% certain as I’ve been a member of the Society for many years. I believe I learnt of St. George’s Society from some fellow Brits I met when I started attending events run by the Association of Chartered Accountants in the US (ACAUS) shortly after I moved to New York (I’m a Chartered Accountant by training). I found the Society very helpful as I sought to make new friendships and professional connections being new to NYC.
What do you enjoy about being a member? I enjoy attending the various events and continuing to meet new, diverse and interesting members, whilst knowing that the funds raised were providing meaningful support to those in need in our community.
What’s your favorite SGS event? There are so many great events—the English Ball, the pub quizzes—but I have to say that my favorite is probably the British Bash. It’s always a fun-packed evening with exciting honorees, great music, plenty of dancing and just a lively crowd having a wonderful time.
You met Paula Radcliffe last year when St. George’s Society honored her at the 2017 British Bash. Now you’ll be running alongside her at the 2018 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, are you looking forward to seeing her again? Absolutely! Although I have to admit I’m a little intimidated. It’s been a while since I’ve run regularly and so I’ve been training over the last few months in the hope of not embarrassing myself too badly. The big positive from this experience is that is has inspired me to start running regularly again and I’m now planning to tackle a 10K race for my next goal.
What advice would you give for people interested in community fundraising? Just do it. There is nothing more rewarding than giving back to your community and if you’re not sure how, the St. George’s Society team are always there to support.
Support Marc as he takes on the 2018 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K alongside 2017 Bash honoree and legendary athlete Paula Radcliffe MBE on 3 November!