Donor recognition
April and Brian Crow
Brian (BSAE ’97) and April Hembree Crow (BSEH ’95) feel compelled to leave the world better than they found it–and they’ve done that professionally and by giving back to UGA.
Donor recognition
April and Brian Crow
Brian (BSAE ’97) and April Hembree Crow (BSEH ’95) feel compelled to leave the world better than they found it–and they’ve done that professionally and by giving back to UGA.
“So many people helped us, so a lot of our motivation is the ‘pay it forward’ mentality. It’s part of our duty to help others and hope they will continue on to help our children and future generations.” – Brian Crow (BSAE ’97)
“We want to make our community, the world, and our environment a better place,” Brian says. “It’s our duty to help those around us.”
Brian is chief software officer for Xylem, a leader in developing water solutions through smart technology. He uses data to optimize electric smart grid projects and freshwater networks to build more efficient systems. This has led to cost savings for communities of all sizes and better problem-solving for utility providers.
“I want our communities to have thriving economies,” Brian says. “The state needs small communities as well as large. Without cost-effective energy, communities cannot be competitive economically, and without access to clean drinking water, communities cannot exist.”
April’s career began at The Coca-Cola Company, where she helped lead its environmental platform for more than two decades. While there, she was instrumental in creating the Trash Free Seas Alliance and was a founding member of the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment. In 2018, she helped launch Circulate Capital, an impact investment fund focused on decreasing plastic waste in the ocean. She also serves on the board of the Captain Planet Foundation.
“Brian and I were both involved in Georgia 4-H, which had an element of community service,” April says. “4-H taught us to look at how our community and actions connect to the greater world. This eventually led to my studies in environmental science at UGA.”
The Crows, who live in Atlanta with their two children, are excited about UGA’s future. They are enthusiastic about its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, which they think will help keep the brightest Bulldogs in the state. That optimism had led the couple to contribute their time and financial support to their alma mater.
April was named to UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2012, is a trustee for the Georgia 4-H Foundation, served on the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors, and mentored two students through the UGA Mentor Program. Brian serves on the UGA Board of Visitors and has been keenly focused on campus innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the UGA College of Engineering.
“I am excited about UGA expanding its engineering program,” Brian says. “I couldn’t be prouder of the university and the students who are graduating from it.”
That pride has translated into financial support. They have given to the College of Engineering Enhancement Fund, UGA 4-H General Fund, the Terry Complex Building Fund, and the UGA Athletic Association. Recently, they contributed a gift in honor of their parents, Thomas and Nadine Crow and James and Brenda Hembree, that will create a collaborative working space for students.
“So many people helped us, so a lot of our motivation is the ‘pay it forward’ mentality,” Brian says. “It’s part of our duty to help others and hope they will continue on to help our children and future generations.”
