Erin McGrath

Sausalito, CA



My business experience

I have a career history of management success, generating rapid growth and profitability in small and middle-market businesses and turnarounds, with functional expertise in strategy and marketing.

Most recently I served as CEO of a medical equipment company, where I resolved a manufacturing operations crisis and re-established financial solvency in seven months. This followed a position leading the turnaround team for a nearly bankrupt high-profile $15 healthcare organization, including managing a public relations crisis, rebuilding the finance department and arranging a new credit facility in the first 90 days.

Previously I was the founder and CEO of my own catalogue and retail company; President of Executive Resorts; and Strategy and Marketing Practice Leader for Arthur Young & Company in San Francisco.

I was also an independent consultant for 12 years, providing advisory services to boards of directors and executive management in the areas of board governance and development, strategic planning and marketing. My clients included public and private companies, venture-backed start-ups and professional service firms.

My Vistage experience

I bring to my work as a Vistage Chair the enthusiasm and excitement of a newcomer, and the wisdom and insight of an experienced successful business executive. My experience includes starting and managing two Vistage groups, participating actively in the local Vistage community, and applying my experience and skill to member and group needs, in ways that result in significant value to them. I have been a Chair of a Chief Executive group since November, 2006, and a Trusted Advisor group since October, 2007. I am deeply committed to the success of my members.

My Vistage groups

Members of my Vistage Chief Executive group include leaders of the following industries: health care information management, construction, online marketing/advertising, enterprise social software, HR communication, manufacturing, and financial services.

The members of the group have extremely diverse interests and backgrounds, welcoming personalities, curious minds, fun-loving attitudes and high energy. They approach their business and personal lives with high ethical standards, and aggressively seek growth and development in all they do. They strive to have balance between work and personal time. They fit the “Vistage values” of caring, trust, development and growth.

In my Trusted Advisors group, members represent these industries: strategy consulting, presentation skills training, a mergers & acquisitions law firm, executive search, project management consulting, commercial real estate, and insurance.

This is a senior group of professionals who are focused on maximizing the value of their years of experience through successful growth—both in their businesses and their clients’ companies.

Who is the “ideal” Vistage member?

A person who is:

  • Truly passionate about taking themselves and their company to the next level of performance
  • Willing to “leave their ego at the door” and commit to “give” by participating to the same extent that they expect to “get” from their fellow members
  • A lifelong learner who continues to prioritize learning – both personally and professionally

Types of companies sought:

  • Commercial bank
  • Consumer products company
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution
  • “Green” industries
  • Financial services

More about Erin McGrath

In addition to being a Vistage Chair, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, investing, and participating in a wide variety of outdoor sports.

I have a BA in Economics from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. I am affiliated with Harvard Business School Community Partners and serve as a board member of Flowers Heritage Foundation.