Meet Ebs Burnough ('98), the 2025 Distinguished Alum

The portrait of a Maclay Graduate describes an independent thinker, confident communicator, creative problem solver, who is engaged and connected in the greater community. Erinn ‘Ebs’ Burnough embodies this portrait. During his time at Maclay, Ebs served as Senior Class President, Editor-in-Chief of the Andalusian, and was an active member of Brain Bowl, Youth in Government, Civitan, Key Club, and the Charter Debate Club. He was recognized with the prestigious Lomax Teal Award as the Outstanding Junior of the Year, served on the Honor Council, and found his love for theatre as a member of Company. His senior quote, borrowed from Booker T. Washington, foreshadowed the life he would go on to lead: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

After graduating from Maclay, Ebs attended Northwestern University, where he earned his degree in theatre and launched a career that would span politics, public policy, the private sector, and the arts. He worked at Sotheby's as his first job after Northwestern, and then joined political campaigns and traveled around the country.  He moved to New York City and worked for the Service Employees International Union on political campaigns, later serving as the Vice President for politics and legislation, overseeing their growth in DC, Maryland, and VA.  Following a stint at the White House as Social Secretary, he launched a lifestyle brand for cosmetics entrepreneur Aerin Lauder.

Today, Ebs is a film, TV, theatre, and podcast host, director, and producer.  He serves on several corporate boards and not-for-profits, including currently chairing the board of the Sundance Institute.  He is also the CEO of Hatch House Media, a production company.  Additionally, he is the senior advisor to Mrs. Wordsmith, an education technology company that teaches children how to read.   His work continues to influence culture and inspire audiences, reflecting the creativity, leadership, and commitment to service that were evident during his years as a Marauder.

Most recently, Ebs directed Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, a new documentary world-premiering at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. The film examines how Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel On the Road still resonates today, weaving together the stories of modern-day travelers, cultural observers, and those influenced by the author to explore what it means to prioritize experience over material success and authentic connection over digital convenience.

Ebs is married to Pierre Lagrange and they have four children, Bernie, Frankie, Paul and Margaux. He lives in London, England, and spends a great deal of time traveling for work and fun.