At Momentive, leadership is more than a title — it’s about aligning personal values with professional purpose. For Jay Greaves, our Chief Human Resources Officer, that alignment is clear. His career and his life-long passion for volunteering intersect in powerful ways that shape both how he leads and how he gives back.
Finding a Path to Momentive
Jay first joined Community Brands in early 2023, transitioning into Momentive Software the following year. After serving in revenue operations and then as Chief of Staff, he stepped into the CHRO role in December. Based in Atlanta, a city where he’s spent most of his life, Jay was drawn to Momentive not only because of the people on its leadership team, but because of its mission.
“I’ve been a lifelong volunteer,” Jay shared. “If I could, I’d be a full-time volunteer, but since that doesn’t pay the bills, I’ve chosen a career that keeps me close to the causes I care about. At Momentive, I feel like I’m supporting volunteers and nonprofits at scale.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Volunteering has been a constant thread in Jay’s life. Over the years, he and his husband, Dave, have focused their energy on causes addressing youth hunger and homelessness, with a particular passion for supporting LGBTQ youth. Along the way, he’s also worked with organizations that provide food security, housing, and mental health services.
Some of the organizations closest to his heart include:
Sycamores (Pasadena, CA):
Jay first connected with Sycamores while living in California. The organization began in the early 1900s as an orphanage and has since grown into the largest private provider of mental health services for youth and families in Southern California.
“I worked with them originally as a client when I was a sales leader,” Jay explained. “They later asked me to serve on their board, which I did for about five years. Their work is incredible — from sibling grief programs to mental health counseling, to residential care for boys who are too volatile for foster care until they can be stabilized. Supporting them gave me a deep appreciation for how holistic care can change a child’s trajectory.”
Lost and Found Youth (Atlanta, GA):
In his hometown of Atlanta, Jay is especially passionate about the work of Lost and Found Youth, which focuses on LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
“They go into homeless shelters and find kids who are often overlooked. They bring them out of that system and into a safe, supportive environment. Many of these kids have been displaced for being who they are — and Lost and Found gives them stability, hope, and a real chance to thrive. That’s a mission I care deeply about.”
Habitat for Humanity:
Jay has rolled up his sleeves with Habitat builds in both Atlanta and California. Beyond the tangible impact of constructing a home, he values the way the experience brings people together.
“When you’re building a Habitat house, you’re not just hammering nails — you’re building community. You learn new skills, you bond with volunteers, and often you meet the families who will live in the home. When you realize you’re framing the bedroom for a little girl who’ll soon call it hers, it makes the work really meaningful.”
Open Hand Atlanta:
Perhaps Jay’s longest-standing volunteer relationship is with Open Hand Atlanta, an organization he has supported for over 30 years. Founded during the AIDS crisis, Open Hand began as friends cooking meals for loved ones who were sick and had no one to care for them. It has since evolved into a statewide leader in nutrition services.
“I started with Open Hand by co-chairing a fundraising event. Over the years, I’ve packed meals on assembly lines with coworkers and friends, sponsored donations, and now continue to support their work financially,” Jay said. “Today, they provide meals for anyone with a medically fragile condition, seniors, and people across Georgia who need nutrition support. They even run a culinary training program for underserved communities. I love that they’ve grown, adapted, and kept their mission alive for more than three decades. It’s the cause that has been part of my life the longest.”
“These organizations all reinforce what I believe: that food, shelter, and care are basic rights,” Jay reflected. “And volunteering has always been the best way for me to feel connected to community and purpose.”
Lessons in Leadership
For Jay, the lessons he’s learned through service extend directly into his leadership at Momentive. One philosophy has stayed with him: you don’t need to solve everything to make a difference — just take the next right step.
“Too often people get paralyzed by the size of the problem and end up doing nothing. But you don’t need all the answers to get started. Find one small thing you can do and just say yes. That’s true in volunteering and in leadership.”
Aligned with Mission
Jay describes his role at Momentive as uniquely aligned with his values. Supporting employees, who in turn support nonprofits and associations, creates a ripple effect of impact — reaching thousands of organizations and ultimately millions of people served.
“I sleep well at night knowing my personal passions and professional role are aligned,” Jay reflected. “At Momentive, we’re building technology that empowers better communities. For me, that’s how we bring on better outcomes for our customers — and that’s why I’m here.”
Advice for Getting Involved
For those looking to give back, Jay encourages starting small and staying true to your passions.
“Figure out what you’re passionate about, then take one simple step to get involved. You don’t have to commit for life — just show up once, do one thing, and see where it leads. That’s how my 30-year relationship with Open Hand Atlanta began.”
Where He’d Volunteer Next
If he could spend a full day volunteering anywhere, Jay says he’d stay close to home, helping build a house with Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta.
“It’s hands-on, it’s community-focused, and you get to work side by side with the families who will live in the home. That’s tangible impact you can see right away.”
