Liz Hock
Why PCH? Why were you interested in joining the PCH Board and working for affordable housing in Princeton? And how long have you been on the Board?
My involvement with PCH stems from my friendship with Daniela. We attended an event at her house in 2016 and I was made co-chair of PCH’s first Gala held in September 2017. I became a trustee in the spring of 2020. I had been looking to volunteer for a nonprofit once I stopped working, and was eager to find one that was not one of the obvious suspects.
What is your professional background?
I am an editor and spent my NY years in book publishing, moving from college textbooks at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich to trade for several houses. I cherish the many wonderful writers I was honored to publish.
I believe in living where you work, so the move to Princeton necessitated a big career change. I decided to try retail, was hired by Simon Pearce immediately, and quickly moved into management. I then moved to a handmade furniture designer in Lambertville for two years. In early 2002, resolving to leave retail and return to freelance editing, I agreed to help the owner of Merrick's on Moore, the women's fine clothing shop, though I had no experience selling clothing. So much for resolve: I spent more than 13 years there, in sales and as a buyer, until they finally closed in 2015.
What other volunteer activities do you participate in?
We were very involved with the Arts Council for years, and my husband was on one of the Princeton Public Library boards for a time. We support a number of local organizations and, until Covid, were regulars at their various events.
How long have you been in the Princeton area and why did you come to this community?
I moved to Princeton in 1995, from Manhattan, where I'd lived for nearly 30 years. My husband, Peter Dougherty, had taken a job with Princeton University Press in 1992, but my son and I took 3 years to come around to the idea of living here.
I have grown to love Princeton and am endlessly grateful for all that is at our fingertips. We own Kurt Godel's house, which has been an adventure all in itself! We treasure our relationship with the IAS and the strangers who show up in our driveway to photograph the house!
I never thought I would be happy outside my beloved NYC, but I have made my peace with that, finally!
What are your hobbies and interests?
We spend a lot of time in Philadelphia, belong to APS, and love the dining scene! During this time, what has truly saved me is the presence of my now 18 mos old granddaughter - the first months of Covid was made bearable by daily Duo calls.