Welcome, Andrew!
Welcome, Andrew!
Andrew Hedrich joined the Home of Hope Board of Directors this spring. This Gwinnett native and CPA at Smith+Howard CPAs and Advisors is one of four new members we welcomed to the team. We caught up with him not long ago and asked him to share his story — how he connected with Home of Hope, what he loves about serving and what he does when he’s not working. Here’s what he said.
How did you first hear about Home of Hope?
I was talking to my Business Development Director at work and specifically mentioned to him that I wanted to work with a Gwinnett County-specific nonprofit, having lived my first 21 years of my life there. I also mentioned to him that I wanted to work with a nonprofit that focused on social welfare, specifically the adoption or child care space considering we adopted in our family.
Within a couple of weeks, I was introduced to Maureen and had a meeting with her over the Winter Break in 2021 to gauge my fit in the organization.
What do you love about being part of Home of Hope so far?
I am still getting my feet wet with the reach the organization has, but there is a degree of care for the mission among the executive director and board members that is admirable. I have been reassured of my decision throughout every meeting I have attended.
How would you describe the difference Home of Hope makes in the lives of Gwinnett families?
Home of Hope provides a true opportunity for a family in need to receive a disciplined, instructive program aimed at transitioning their unit back to independent living.
What would you want others to know about Home of Hope?
The difference they are making is a holistic approach to family betterment and independence. This outreach is not a band-aid to temporarily solve a problem, but one that aims to deliver tools and opportunities to those in need.
What’s your dream for Home of Hope?
[I want Home of Hope] to be seen as a leader in the Gwinnett community for educating the whole family while providing a real sense of place in their individual lives and community.
What can you tell us about you: your work background, family, hobbies, etc.
I’m a graduate of Georgia Tech and a CPA. I’m one of five children and my family all still live in Georgia. My wife and I live south of the perimeter of I-85 with our two pets in our first home.
Professionally, I joined Smith and Howard in 2014 as an intern and am a manager in the tax practice now. My main focus is on the firm’s Professional Service and Nonprofit groups, specializing in law firms and private schools.
When I’m not working, I love watching movies. I watch over 100 newly released films each year. I also travel to New York each year to watch Broadway shows.
Fun fact: I was a part of the Atlanta Boy Choir from third grade to sixth grade and traveled to Austria/Germany for a concert tour.