Herb Drower was an innovative executive, restless inventor, and devoted family man who spent his life paying it forward. Born in 1932, at the height of the Depression, he grew up in a working-class family on Chicago’s West Side. He eventually became president of the Chicago-based plastics company Transilwrap, where he expanded its operations and ambitions. He founded the company’s manufacturing division and grew its footprint globally, mentoring a host of managers whose careers were shaped by his guidance. Along the way, he earned more than a dozen patents.

Herb and his wife, Sara, a noted artist and former college biology instructor, traveled to every continent except Antarctica.  They never stopped learning, exploring and doing.

From Alray’s inception, Herb and Sara, along with their daughter Denise, have been passionate and steadfast supporters, helping it to grow into the organization it is today. Herb and Sara only increased their involvement after moving to Boston in 2020. As a lifelong entrepreneur, Herb was particularly impressed by the hustle, creativity, and drive that so many Alray Scholars exhibit.

Shortly before Herb passed in March 2026, the Alray Board named the Next Step Fund in honor of both him and Sara, who is still very much with us. Across 65 years of marriage, Herb and Sara did everything together, so it is only fitting that this fund bears both of their names.