The annual event, presented by Elliot Health System, offers Chamber members, community supporters, friends, family and colleagues a chance to honor Fitzpatrick’s impact on Greater Manchester.

“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,” said Heather McGrail, president & CEO of the Greater Manchester Chamber. “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.”

Fitzpatrick says her dedication to helping youths began early in her career. She started as a kindergarten teacher at The Growing Years in Manchester before entering the world of higher education in 2001.

“I was a kindergarten teacher when my kids were little,” Fitzpatrick said. “I wanted to be with them, so I got into early childhood, and as they began to age I was thinking about higher education for them. I pursued a degree and wanted for them to go to college, and the way to pay for it was to get into higher ed. So I’ve always lived through purpose, and my career has just followed what was really important to the values and what was really needed at the time.

“I’ve been very blessed that it’s come full circle to the Boys & Girls Club.”

For over a decade, she dedicated herself to marketing, recruitment, and new business development for graduate and undergraduate programs, a path that led her to take on the role of dean of admissions at New England College, where she led international recruitment efforts and traveled to Hong Kong, China, and Japan to promote education.

A position at the NH Center for Nonprofits helped spark her desire to work in the nonprofit sector.

In 2014, Fitzpatrick became the first female CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester. During her tenure at the helm, the organization completed a successful three-year, $5.9 million capital campaign to expand the clubhouse on Union Street; added new programs such as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), a Tween Center, Zen Den, and weekly food pantry; renovated the 20-acres Camp Foster with updated program space and structures; and invested in the staff through professional and leadership development.

Fitzpatrick said one of the things that guides her each day is knowing she’s helping others.

“I wouldn’t be in the position that I am in if I didn’t have incredible mentors in my life, people that saw something in me and said so and pushed me,” Fitzpatrick said. And I think we can be better leaders and better humans by really helping people aspire and pushing them along and being there for them.

“I think society has been very tough, and it’s really hard out there, so if you can just be that light for somebody each and every day, that’s what it’s about.”

Fitzpatrick has 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, and Greater Manchester Mental Health.

Kris McCracken, president and CEO of Amoskeag Health, called Fitzpatrick a “shining example of what it means to stand up for your beliefs.”

“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 well-being of our families, and is tireless in her work both professionally and personally,” McCracken said.

Catherine Kabala, a former Boys & Girls Club member and staffer said when she was 16 Fitzpatrick would often mention how “impressed” she was with her.

“Those were inconsequential comments to her, but it was impactful for me to be noticed by such a great community leader,” Kabala said. “Her encouragement during those formative years meant the world to me. 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.”

Asked if any moments stand out in her career, Fitzpatrick mentioned a family that was struggling and reluctant to accept anything from the Boys & Girls Club Holiday Help program, which provides gifts and food for families in need, because they weren’t sure where they would be living.

“Because of this community and the relationships we had, I was able to pick up the phone and call Southern New Hampshire Services, and speak to their executive director, their president, and she was able to help me get the resources for that family so they could spend the holidays in their apartment and they didn’t get evicted. I get goosebumps thinking about that, because we’re not doing this alone.”

Fitzpatrick is grateful for the recognition as Citizen of the year, but pointed out “it’s not recognizing me.”

“It’s allowing us to recognize how our community works collectively,” Fitzpatrick said. “I wouldn’t be doing the work I’m doing if I didn’t have all of these colleagues and friends and donors and supporters who believe in the mission, and are willing to roll up their sleeves and help, because when we do that, we can solve incredible problems, and we really have.”