Article by Lauren Getts, posted to the Greater Manchester Chamber blog
12/10/24 — The 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.”
“Diane is a shining example of what it means to stand up for your beliefs and is very deserving of the Citizen of the Year Award. I have had the pleasure of partnering with Diane on numerous occasions on youth related initiatives in the greater Manchester community, and have seen firsthand how dedicated she is to improving the wellbeing of our families, and is tireless in her work both professionally and personally.”
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.
“Diane has been a steadfast leader and advocate in the Greater Manchester community, embodying the Chamber’s belief that a strong economy and thriving business community are vital to creating a healthy, supportive environment for all—especially for our youth. Through the countless connections she has cultivated, Diane demonstrates how commerce and collaboration together can generate opportunities and resources that empower the next generation to thrive.”
