JEFF AND TARA CRAFT

Jeff Craft grew up in a small town surrounded by hardworking, blue-collar steelworkers who valued a sense of connection. He was taught at a young age that nothing comes easy, and that it takes the power of a strong community to get things done. Jeff was determined to carry those values with him throughout adulthood and eventually pass them down to his own children.

After graduating from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Jeff met his wife, Tara, who graduated from Allegheny College. The two shared similar upbringings and had an immediate connection. They began their married years in Columbus, Ohio while Tara completed graduate school, then they moved to New York to continue their careers. Their desire to be closer to family eventually drew them back to Pittsburgh. Jeff is now the managing partner of the Pittsburgh practice at Deloitte, which is the largest professional services firm in Pittsburgh providing audit and assurance, tax, consulting, and risk and financial advisory services. Tara is a full-time mom to their three active teenage boys, and recently restarted her career as a service professor at West Virginia University.

One of Jeff’s roles as managing partner includes making sure that the firm aligns its people with organizations that make a positive impact in the local community. “We have such a fantastic partnership with United Way’s national chapter that it’s been easy for us to identify ways to make the most impact here in southwestern Pennsylvania, which is such a strong and active chapter. There’s so much need right here in our community and United Way has a hand in responding to those needs, from supporting local food banks to providing support through their 211 help line. The United Way plays such a vital role in connecting the right resources and partners to address specific needs and I’m proud to be a part of that process,” says Jeff. “It’s been a life-changing experience for not only me, but my entire family.”

In addition to his involvement with United Way, Jeff sits on the board for several other organizations, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and recently joined the board of trustees for Juniata College. When he and Tara are not giving back, they enjoy traveling as a family, being active outdoors, spending time with their extended family, and of course raising their boys to follow in their footsteps.