Maura English

Where do you live? Cleveland, Ohio.

Current company and position? Currently I am a Field Account Manager at UMR, a UnitedHealthcare Company.

First job and what it taught me? My first job was with a small business in an unfamiliar industry, which taught me how to adapt quickly and learn on the fly. I started as a research analyst but soon found myself leading a major tech-based project with no prior IT or software development experience. To succeed, I had to build trust across departments, communicate clearly with executives and technical teams, and keep everyone aligned under tight deadlines. This experience strengthened my ability to lead diverse teams, solve complex problems, and stay resilient under pressure. Later, I transitioned into a sales role, where I managed over 300 accounts and generated more than $120 million in leads. That shift taught me important skills such as relationship-building, negotiation, and excellent client service—skills that remain central to my success today. Overall, I learned resilience, strategic thinking, and how to turn challenges into opportunities, which continue to shape my approach in account management.

How do you embrace your Irish heritage? I embrace my Irish heritage through lifelong involvement in cultural traditions and community organizations. I began Irish dancing at age four with the Theresa Burke School of Irish Dance, competing at the Championship level in competitions across North America at feiseanna, as well as the Midwest Oireachtas, North American Nationals, and All Irelands. I also taught younger dancers, sharing my love for of the tradition and skill of Irish dancing. Growing up at the West Side Irish American Club in Cleveland, I was constantly surrounded by Irish cultural events. I danced at ceilis, listened to live Irish bands, attended and performed at the Cleveland Irish Culture Festival, watched my cousin’s Gaelic football matches and much more. I marched in the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year from my childhood days into my teenage years. And I now serve as the Cleveland GAA delegate to the United Irish Societies, helping organize the annual parade. In 2019, I joined Cleveland St. Pat’s–St. Jarlath’s GAA as a founding member of the ladies’ Gaelic football team and later transitioned to Camogie. Over the years, we have won two national championships at the USGAA Nationals – one in each sport. Today, I serve as Vice Chair on the club’s Executive Board, promoting Irish sports locally. Throughout my involvement in these various Irish organizations, I’ve met many inspiring leaders John O’Brien Sr, John O’Brien Jr, Vincent Beach and most recently Marilyn Madigan, which led me to join the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. I am passionate about connecting LAOH with local organizations, including those I support through the City Mission where I serve on the Associate Board, to strengthen community ties and celebrate my Irish culture.

Something people would be surprised to know about me... One of my hobbies is keeping solitary bees, specifically mason and leafcutter bees. Unlike honeybees, solitary bees don’t live in hives; each female builds and provisions her own nest. I provide shelter and nesting materials for them which is referred to as a “bee hotel.” The solitary bees are incredibly docile and rarely sting. Also, they are among the most efficient pollinators. One leafcutter bee can do the pollination work of dozens of honeybees. It’s a simple, low-maintenance hobby with a big impact—helping the environment, boosting garden yields, and supporting biodiversity.

Biography: Maura English is a Field Account Manager at UMR, a United Healthcare company, where she delivers strategic solutions for 50 organizations and 24,000 members—driving operational excellence and client success. As a player on the Cleveland ladies’ Gaelic football and camogie team she is a two-time USGAA national champion. Maura blends leadership with cultural pride by serving as Vice Chair of the Cleveland GAA, Recruitment Chair for The City Mission, and is a member of the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, LAOH, and West Side Irish American Club. She is motivated by a deep commitment to service, community, and culture.

2026 Irish Echo 40 Under 40 Awards

https://www.irishecho.com/events/2026-irish-echo-40-under-40-awards/awardees/maura-english

So proud of you Maura!!