Diane Fitzpatrick Honored as Greater Manchester Chamber’s Citizen of the Year
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iane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester, was honored as Citizen of the Year at the Greater Manchester Chamber’s (GMC) Citizen of the Year Celebration, presented by Elliot Health System on Thursday, March 6th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. More than 600 members of the Greater Manchester business community gathered to celebrate Diane’s impact and leadership.
A Night of Celebration
The evening began with a special reception honoring past Citizens of the Year. Attendees then enjoyed cocktails courtesy of M&T Bank. Dartmouth Health added to the festivities by sponsoring a lively photobooth for guests.
As attendees took their seats in the Armory Ballroom, they were welcomed by stunning centerpieces provided by Honey & Company Floral Design. This year, the centerpieces held special meaning, featuring items directly from the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester’s wish list to support programs like Kids Club, STEM initiatives, the Zen Den, the Food Pantry, Art, and Camp Foster. Thanks to St. Mary’s Bank for their generous donation of these key supplies and for serving as the official centerpiece sponsor.
With over 60 companies represented, the room was filled with business and community leaders from industries including banking, education, real estate, and healthcare. Guests enjoyed wine sponsored by LaBelle Winery, a bar sponsored by Harvey Construction, and a coffee station provided by Devine Millimet. After the formal program, attendees indulged in a dessert reception sponsored by Eversource.
Recognizing a Transformative Leader
The Greater Manchester Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Celebration honored Diane Fitzpatrick for her decades of dedication to youth development and community enrichment. Under her leadership, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester has expanded its reach, ensuring that children and families have access to critical resources, academic support, and enriching experiences. Diane’s commitment to fostering strong relationships between businesses, nonprofits, and the community has made a lasting impact.
A highlight of the evening was a special tribute video created by Heartwood Media and sponsored by BankProv. The video opened with touching messages from Club Kids, sharing how Diane has positively shaped their lives. Past Citizen of the Year and longtime Boys & Girls Club employee (now retired) Brian Tremblay reflected on Diane’s leadership, saying, “From day one, Diane brought a fresh perspective. She understands that it’s not just about the kids—it’s about supporting the entire family.”
An Inspirational Moment
Greater Manchester Chamber Board Chair, Trinnie Houghton, presented Diane with the official title of Greater Manchester Chamber Citizen of the Year. In her acceptance speech, Diane shared:
“This moment isn’t just about me—it’s about what happens when we believe in something bigger than ourselves. My career has always been centered around children because I firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. That belief has driven me to work with organizations, collaborate with others and work toward a future where no child in our community is left behind.”
Following her remarks, a toast was given by Ash Sullivan of Brady Sullivan Properties. The evening concluded with a powerful performance from Esme, an outstanding teen from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester. Recently selected as one of 20 youth to represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of America at their national conference, Esme captivated the audience with a moving rendition of “Rise Up” in Diane’s honor.
Diane Fitzpatrick’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the youth of Manchester have left an indelible mark on the community. The Greater Manchester Chamber was proud to celebrate her achievements and the positive impact she continues to make every day.
