Graham Hoerauf – Redwood Family Care Network

Redwood Family Care Network’s mission is clear and impactful: to deliver world-class, person-centered services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities in positive, life-enriching environments. Through collaborative partnerships and integrated care coordination, Redwood focuses on enriching lives while meeting the needs of its communities and stakeholders.

Over the years, the company has grown rapidly, expanding its operations in Washington, Arizona, and Nevada, fueled by the support of a Boston-based private equity group. For this group, Redwood represents a flagship project in the disability services space, underscoring their commitment to the organization’s mission. Central to Redwood’s transformative journey is General Counsel Graham Hoerauf, who joined the organization in late 2022 to help guide its ambitious goals and maintain its standards of care and compliance.

As Redwood’s first in-house counsel, Hoerauf ensures the organization’s legal and operational success. His responsibilities encompass various critical functions, including litigation management, oversight of client cases, navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Redwood’s diverse service offerings, ranging from licensed residential settings to in-home care, require Hoerauf to manage state-specific regulations and audits deftly. His proactive approach emphasizes mitigating legal risks while upholding the company’s commitment to its mission.

One of Hoerauf’s significant achievements has been overhauling Redwood’s human resources (HR) policies. Working closely with the HR Director, he spearheaded a comprehensive revision of the company handbook, ensuring consistency and alignment across the organization. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering a cohesive and inclusive company culture, providing employees with clear guidance, and enhancing their ability to serve individuals with disabilities effectively.

In addition to his HR contributions, Hoerauf has been instrumental in driving Redwood’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. With backing from the company’s private equity owners, he led efforts to enroll 20-25 homes in Southern California Edison’s community solar program, securing renewable energy sources while reducing costs. These efforts extended to adopting hybrid vehicles, furthering Redwood’s commitment to sustainability. These ESG initiatives align with Redwood’s values and position the organization as a forward-thinking leader in disability services.

Hoerauf has also played a key role in enhancing Redwood’s crisis intervention services, a vital component of the company’s offerings. By streamlining service delivery and implementing targeted support, Redwood assists families in high-pressure situations, such as helping children with autism reintegrate into school environments following behavioral incidents. These services promote autonomy for individuals with disabilities and reduce the financial strain on state systems, embodying a holistic approach that benefits all stakeholders.

Leadership development and employee retention are core to Hoerauf’s vision for Redwood. By fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture, he has strengthened the organization’s legal and compliance functions to support its rapid growth. His commitment to continuous learning, exemplified by attending industry conferences and completing finance courses at Wharton, demonstrates his dedication to personal growth and long-term strategy. Hoerauf’s leadership philosophy emphasizes mentorship, cross-departmental collaboration, and proactive planning, ensuring that Redwood remains resilient and adaptive in the face of evolving challenges.

“It’s about doing right by others and ensuring our mission is more than just words, it’s a lived reality for those we serve.” Hoerauf says. This ethos is reflected in every aspect of his work at Redwood, where his thoughtful leadership and strategic acumen drive the organization forward. Under Hoerauf’s guidance, Redwood Family Care Network continues to thrive as a beacon of innovation and support for individuals with disabilities, creating a lasting legacy of care and excellence.

Hoerauf’s journey is one of unexpected turns, mentorship and a deep commitment to ethics. Inspired by his father’s corporate strategy career, Hoerauf pursued law, earning a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Brandman University before excelling at UC Davis School of Law. Graduating with honors, he was a standout student, serving as a law review articles editor and leading the King Hall Negotiations Board.

Initially drawn to corporate transactional law, Hoerauf discovered a passion for litigation during his first year of law school. Mentors recognized his talent for legal writing and argumentation, guiding him to a path that emphasized strategic maneuvering over aggression. A summer at Paul Hastings affirmed this direction, where he learned that mastery of facts and ethical diligence were key to achieving client success.

By his ninth year in private practice, Hoerauf was on the brink of making partner at his firm, with every indication of promotion. A recruiter’s outreach about Redwood Family Care Network changed everything. Initially hesitant, he was moved by the company’s mission of prioritizing patient rights and care for individuals with disabilities. Conversations with the passionate CEO cemented his decision to join.

Outside work, Hoerauf finds fulfillment in music, composing and playing indie rock and blues, and spending time with his family. His career is a testament to finding purpose in work that aligns with personal values, balancing professional excellence with a meaningful life.

“Every step we take at Redwood is about creating meaningful opportunities for people to thrive. It’s rewarding to be part of a mission rooted in care, integrity, and the drive to make a real difference in people’s lives. Knowing that our work touches so many families and communities inspires me every day to keep pushing forward and finding new ways to support those we serve.” Hoerauf says.