Meet, Nancy Goldenberg, President & CEO of
Laurel Hill Cemetery and West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home.
Nancy states that being a part of this community truly encapsulates her many interests and professional experiences as a city planner,
lover of art and architecture, historic structures and beautiful landscapes.
What inspired you to join the team of West Laurel Hill?
West Laurel Hill, along with its sister cemetery, are so much more than cemeteries. They are multi-dimensional sites, with the scope, beauty, programming and historic mission to thrive as civic spaces and eternal resting places. I was inspired by the opportunity to work with a great group of people to help expand the traditional services we offer and develop new strategies for growth.
What is your role at West Laurel Hill?
President & CEO
Before working at West Laurel Hill, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked in the office of Councilwoman Joan Specter in the mid-1980s as a legislative assistant. That experience gave me tremendous insight into the city. Both the framework and experience helped launch my future career.
How has West Laurel Hill helped you in your career development?
Being here truly encapsulates my many interests and professional experiences as a city planner, lover of art and architecture, historic structures and beautiful landscapes. But it has also introduced me to new industries, other highly talented leaders of historic cemeteries across the world, and other professional organizations.
What are 3 words to describe West Laurel Hill?
Valuable civic asset.
What is your favorite part about working for West Laurel Hill?
Inspiring and motivating others to accomplish our goals.
What is your proudest moment at West Laurel Hill?
Witnessing the support that staff gives to each other and to all of our customers.
Any favorite line from a movie?
From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, when the Sundance Kid says, “I can’t swim,” and Butch replies: “Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.” – Kurt Hahn
Favorite travel spot?
Anywhere with trails to hike.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love breakfast.
People would be surprised if they knew:
I swim every day.
What book did you read last?
The Nightengale, by Kristin Hannah.
What did you want to be when growing up?
A ballet dancer.
What do you always want to try and never did?
Run a marathon.
What is the first concert you attended?
The Beatles.
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
Flowers and a bottle of champagne.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area?
To hike in the Wissahickon.
What places have you lived in?
Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., Reading, PA, and Philadelphia.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I’d love to be a master gardener.
You’re happiest when?
Hiking.
Is there anything special about City Ave that you can share?
The idea for the BID started when I worked for Lower Merion Township in the early 1990s; it’s so gratifying to see how successful it has become.
225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 | Phone: (610) 668-9900 | Instagram: westlaurelhill
If you (or someone you know) would like to be featured as the next Faces of City Ave, please email cityave@cityave.org!
