Pittsburgh Business Times has announced the winners of the third annual C-Suite Awards, honoring those in executive leadership positions who are going above and beyond to make a difference not only in their respective companies and organizations, but also across the region.
Pittsburgh Glass Center Executive Director Heather McElwee was recognized as one of this elite group of individuals that included CEOs and other executives from major international organizations in the Pittsburgh region. Heather and the other awardees will be honored at a special awards ceremony on October 30.
Under McElwee’s leadership, Pittsburgh Glass Center has flourished, expanding its capacity and reach. PGC’s annual budget has more than doubled, with revenue exceeding $2 million since 2022 and is projected to surpass $3 million in 2025. Plus, she led the $15 million fundraising campaign and construction project to expand Pittsburgh Glass Center by adding 11,000 square feet to the original facility and celebrated its completion this fall.
Heather was recruited to Pittsburgh in 2001 by local glass artists, Kathleen Mulcahy and Ron Desmett, who were leading the effort to open the Pittsburgh Glass Center. She dove right into her work, teaching the first class ever offered at PGC. She quickly became a leader, educator, and advocate for glass art, glass artists, the Glass Center and even Pittsburgh itself. Over the years, Heather’s responsibilities have included exhibitions, programming, outreach, human resources, and development.
In 2011, she was promoted to Executive Director, taking the reins of one of the most innovative and influential arts organizations locally and nationally at the age of 34. Growth has been significant at PGC over the last 20+ years. PGC went from serving 187 students in 2002 to serving over 9,500 students in 2022. On average that is more than 200% growth year over year.
Due in no small part to Heather’s commitment to excellence, PGC is known as a destination for regional and international artists of all ages and abilities, glass art appreciators, and the community at large in search of engaging, informative and entertaining experiences related to glass art.
We are proud to have her as our friend, advocate, and leader.
