Marianne Gibson has worked as the director of community partnerships for The New England Center for Children (NECC) for the last year. She was nominated by a colleague because since she has taken over the community partnerships role, “she has brought in a number of new corporations, individuals, and local businesses who are interested in supporting NECC’s mission. She has also taken on the lead of event management, something that was not in her job description when our events specialist left in the fall. An example of one of her biggest accomplishments is forming the relationship that initiated the new on-site dental clinic that is currently under construction. She has been an incredible asset to NECC, and we are lucky to have her on our team!”
What are your responsibilities as the director of community partnerships?
I’m responsible for building and strengthening corporate and constituent relationships, securing funding to support the Annual Fund, and making new connections. My goal is to introduce NECC to a broader audience and to highlight NECC as not only a special education school in Southborough, but also a global leader in the field of autism education and research.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love that the Development office is located within the school, and we have the opportunity to see students and teachers every day. Watching teachers and students working together, as well as hearing of student graduations and the special events happening in or outside of school constantly reinforces and brings a deeper purpose to our work. One of my favorite things to do is take people on tours; invariably, they are impressed by NECC’s history, vision for the future, and are inspired by the unique model that has been built over the past 40+ years.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I’m an avid CrossFitter and golfer, and a hidden talent is that I’m a pretty decent at darts. I played in a competitive league many years ago, and it was always extremely gratifying to beat some of the guys who assumed an easy win against a girl.
Who is someone you look up to?
I always looked up to my parents. My father for being one of the nicest and most interesting people I’ve ever known (and for introducing me to golf at a young age), and my mother who taught me that once you commit to something, there’s no quitting.
What is your life philosophy or a motto you like to live by?
My life philosophy changes with age. At this point in my life, my philosophy is that it doesn’t matter how much you have, it’s what you do that counts.