The director general of the National Trust has told of her delight at being recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Hilary McGrady, originally from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to heritage.
Her career has spanned a range of arts, culture and charity roles.
During Ms McGrady’s 20 years at the trust, she held a number of regional director positions and one national position, before being appointed director general in March 2018, becoming the charity’s third female leader in 130 years.
She is responsible for hundreds of houses, castles and nature reserves, almost 900 miles of coast, and more than 10,000 staff and 44,000 volunteers.
Rene Olivieri, chairman of the National Trust, said everyone at the charity was delighted by the honour.
He added: “Hilary is an outstanding leader of our 130-year-old institution whose relentless focus on bringing the most benefit to the most people through heritage and through nature has ensured the trust is thriving today.
“She has tackled some of the biggest challenges our charity has ever faced with tenacity and empathy and made sure that the trust not only survived – but it flourished.
“Generations to come will be able to share in the UK’s nature, beauty and history because of her hard work and ambition. She is richly deserving of this honour.”
Ms McGrady said it is a privilege to lead the National Trust: “This organisation has been woven into the fabric of our nations for well over a century, and to play a part in its rich history is very special.
“I’ve no doubt that the trust has endured for so long because heritage, culture and nature are intrinsically important in people’s lives – they always have been, and they always will be.
*News* We've appointed our new Director-General. Hilary McGrady, our current Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Helen Ghosh and lead us into the next phase of our history - find out more at: https://t.co/ea71tiAfQQ pic.twitter.com/AY9UN2eTtu
— National Trust (@nationaltrust) December 14, 2017
“We live in a time when many people don’t have access to our cultural and natural heritage, and when some historic sites are struggling to keep the lights on, and our cause is as vital as ever.
“I’m so grateful to the thousands of staff, volunteers and supporters who make the National Trust what it is.
“I’m proud to be part of this organisation and this sector and I’m delighted to receive this award.”
As director general, Ms McGrady has led the trust through a range of projects and acquisitions, including turning the derelict Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester into a park in the sky, and bringing the museums at Ironbridge Gorge into the charity’s care.
She has overseen increased levels of fundraising and also led the charity through the Covid pandemic when it was forced to close its doors for the first time in its history.
