Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week, we’re reflecting with Henry Snyder '16
The City of Louisville is fortunate that Henry Snyder ’16 returned home. He recently earned his MBA from Harvard University and started his position as COO and CFO of One Louisville, the organization created by the merger of Greater Louisville Inc. and the Louisville Economic Development Alliance.
Henry came to Trinity from Sacred Heart Model School. From the first day as a freshman until graduation, he was heavily involved with student life. He was a National Merit Commended Student, Governor’s Scholar and Shamrock Award recipient. He also served as a Dante House representative and captain, played tennis and was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Beta Club, Joseph of Arimathea Society, Future Business Leaders of America, KUNA/KYA, and the Investment Club.
As an alumnus, Henry is involved with Alumni Association events. He has been the featured speaker at an Alumni Business Circle coffee meeting and a Young Alumni Shamrock Society event. He also is a donor to the Trinity Annual Fund, which provides financial aid to 43% of students.
Henry attends Second Presbyterian Church.
What follows is an interview with Henry.
Why did you decide to attend Trinity?
My shadow-day experience as an eight-grader sold me. I remember the teachers I met that day were clearly invested in whether their students succeeded. The other selling point was the culture. Trinity felt like a family, and people seemed genuinely kind and interested in you as a person.
What do you remember about the day-to-day life at Trinity?
Structure and a lot of energy. Trinity was able to balance the discipline of assemblies, Dante House activities and high expectations with a lot of fun along the way. I didn't appreciate at the time how much that balance helped set me up for success during my undergraduate years and later at work.
Who were some of your favorite teachers?
Mike Budniak [H’11], Wayne Kraus [’85] and Dr. Aaron Striegel [H’16] were some of my favorites. Mr. Budniak instilled academic rigor, Mr. Kraus taught what would ultimately become my college major and career path, and Dr. Striegel was a mentor along the way.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Trinity?
Dante winning the House Cup my senior year was a great way to cap off the Trinity experience.
What did you do after you graduated from Trinity in 2016?
I went to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where I studied economics and finance. After that, I spent a few years at Churchill Downs in their business rotation program and then as director of finance at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
In 2022, I moved to Boston to serve as chief of staff at a family office before starting the MBA program at Harvard Business School. Today I'm the COO/CFO of One Louisville, the organization created by the merger of Greater Louisville Inc. and the Louisville Economic Development Alliance. My role focuses on internal operations, strategy, innovation and financial tools to support businesses and the downtown area.
What effect did Trinity have on your life?
Two things Trinity taught me have mattered in every stage since: how to communicate and how to work with people who aren’t like me. Those were differentiators at Centre, in my career and at Harvard Business School, and they're differentiators now. Part of what I do day to day is getting people with different priorities pointed in the same direction. Trinity is where I learned to write clearly, speak in front of a room and sit across from someone with whom I disagreed without it becoming personal. The skills the workforce values keep changing. Those two haven’t.
Why do you support Trinity years after graduating?
I was supported by the alumni who came before me, and I want to return the investment. The return on a Trinity education shows up decades later, and I think it is one of the best investments I can make in the future of the City of Louisville. We need Trinity alumni.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations, Communications & Archives at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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