Diane Fitzpatrick Named Citizen of the Year
T
he Greater Manchester Chamber is proud to announce Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester (BGCGM), as the recipient of the annual Citizen of the Year Award. Known for her extraordinary commitment to youth advocacy, community service, and leadership, Fitzpatrick will be celebrated on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Greater Manchester Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Celebration, taking place at 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. This annual event, presented by Elliot Health System, offers Chamber members, community supporters, friends, family, and colleagues a chance to honor Fitzpatrick’s extraordinary impact on Greater Manchester.
A champion for young people, Diane Fitzpatrick has dedicated over 30 years to education, higher education, marketing, and business-to-business development. Fitzpatrick’s career and volunteer efforts reflect an unwavering dedication to creating opportunity and fostering resilience among youth. Her leadership has empowered countless individuals, addressing both immediate needs and long-term development through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
An Advocate for Change and Growth
Diane’s life’s work is “all about the kids.” She uses this saying often and whenever she talks about the importance of her work. Her love for children, especially the Club kids, fuels her passion to bring as many resources, partners, and friends to the Club as possible. That motivation comes back to her mantra, “it’s all about the kids.”
In 2014, Diane stepped into the role as the first female CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester. Under her leadership, BGCGM has completed a successful 3-year, $5.9M capital campaign to expand the Clubhouse; added new programs such as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), Tween Center, Zen Den, and a weekly Food Pantry to the Clubhouse; renovated the 20-acres of Camp Foster with updated program space and structures, and environmental enhancements; and invested in the staff through professional and leadership development. In addition, she has increased the number of women and diversity serving on the BGCCM board of directors, and senior leadership staff.
Diane has also partnered with numerous organizations throughout the city and state, including Amoskeag Health, NH Food Bank, Manchester School District, Granite YMCA, Families in Transition, Friends of Aine, Granite United Way, Elliot Hospital, Greater Manchester Mental Health, and many others, to connect kids and their families with resources and services.
Diane is a passionate leader shattering the glass ceiling as she has taken the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester to new levels. Working alongside her team at the Club and community leaders. Diane has worked tirelessly to advocate for the youth of Greater Manchester to ensure that they have access to high-quality programs and all available resources without any boundaries for years to come.
Catherine Kabala, a former Club member and staff said, “when I was a 16-year-old member Diane would often say how impressed she was with me as a teen. Those were inconsequential comments to her, but it was impactful for me to be noticed by such a great community leader. Her encouragement during those formative years meant the world to me.” She continues, “Diane championed my ideas and encouraged my professional growth as a staff member. She believed in my potential, even when I doubted myself, and provided invaluable guidance that helped shape my career.”
A Journey Rooted in Service
Diane’s dedication to youth began early in her career. She started as a kindergarten teacher at The Growing Years in Manchester, where she nurtured young minds and developed a passion for child development.
In 2001, Diane entered the world of higher education. For more than a decade, she dedicated herself to marketing, recruitment, leading cross-functional teams, and new business development for graduate and undergraduate programs. Her journey in higher education landed her as Dean of Admissions at New England College, where she led international recruitment efforts and traveled to Hong Kong, China, and Japan to promote education.
Diane discovered her desire to work in the non-profit world when she took a position at the NH Center for Nonprofits. She quickly learned about the non-profit sector and pivoted her career to service.
Through these experiences, Diane was prepared to step into her current role as BGCGM’s CEO. She is a trailblazer in the nonprofit sector, setting the standard for effective leadership and collaboration. Her ability to foster connections among local partners shows her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community.
Collaborative Community Engagement
Diane is an active member of the community and provides services in several capacities. She currently serves on the boards of Directors of St. Mary’s Bank, Community Development Finance Authority, and Mark Stebbins Community Center.
Recognition of Diane Fitzpatrick’s Achievements
Diane has received numerous awards and recognition over her decades of service including the NHBR Business of Excellence Award (2018), SNHU Loeffler Award (2019), NH 200 (2019), Boys & Girls Club of America’s League of Eagles Award for Board Service (2017 & 2019), Granite YMCA Community Service Award (2019), Champion in Action Award for Youth (2019), BGCA Executive of the Year for the Northeast Region (2022), WZID 20 Outstanding Women (2023), and most recently Executive of the Year by the National Boys & Girls Club of America Professional Association (2024). These awards recognize Diane’s significant leadership and contributions to her organization, state, region, and nationally.
Diane is the proud mother of Katie and Kory, and the best Bella to her grandson Leif. Diane resides in Manchester, with her husband Michael and her dog Molly.
Join the Celebration
Since 1954, the Greater Manchester Chamber has presented one outstanding individual the Citizen of the Year Award. This exceptional group of community leaders has been paramount in shaping the GMC’s agenda and the community. The Citizen of the Year award recognizes an individual with significant leadership and citizenship in the community, while demonstrating exemplary vision, civic pride, and commitment to the betterment of society. To be nominated, the individual should live in the greater Manchester area and his or her activities should be centered in the same area. Recognition is given for leadership and performance in several areas of community service over a period of years.
Diane Fitzpatrick will be recognized as the Citizen of the Year at the Greater Manchester Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Celebration, presented by Elliot Health System, on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.manchester-chamber.org/citizen-of-the-year-celebration. Sponsorship of this event helps to support the Chamber’s mission and makes it possible to celebrate leaders like Diane Fitzpatrick, who inspire the community and drive meaningful change. For details on sponsorship and ticket options, please contact sponsorship@manchester-chamber.org.
