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April Showers don't just bring May flowers............ it also brings us Suzanne Gifford, Executive Director of Craven County Partners in Education Please join us for Dinner on Tuesday, April 7th at La Cassetta!
Suzanne Gifford was born and raised in Sunnyvale in northern California. She earned a Master of Science in Community/Clinical Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fresno. Suzanne has built an extensive career, leading initiatives and programs in the non-profit sector. She began her professional work in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs. She served as Executive Director of Coastal Center for Hope and Healing (formerly known as Coastal Women’s Shelter) from 1994 – 1997 and again from 2006 – 2010. During her leadership, the organization launched the Helping Hands Thrift Store, which continues to support its mission. Later, while serving as the Executive Director of the Craven Community College Foundation, Suzanne established the Community Fabric Awards, an initiative created to recognize individuals, businesses, and educators who strengthen and enrich our community. Suzanne eventually returned to direct service work in early childhood education, working with Head Start and NC Pre-K programs. Through these roles, she has served families and communities across Craven, Jones, Pamlico, Carteret and Onslow counties. For the past year and a half, Suzanne has served as the Executive Director of Craven County Partners in Education, where she works to strengthen partnerships between schools, businesses, and the community to support teacher and student success. Suzanne lives in New Bern with her husband, Rolly, and their recently adopted dog, Skye. |
Our Upcoming Meetings & Registration
Our April 7 Dessert Sponsor is Annalee Ash of NC Plein Air Art Festival. Annalee Ash moved to New Bern more than nine years ago after a long career in Washington, DC, with earlier years in New York, Boston, and Long Island. A University of Vermont graduate, she spent decades in home furnishings, decorative arts, real estate, and hospitality with Marriott and Ritz-Carlton, and also worked with a DC-based philanthropic foundation focused on youth. After retiring full-time during COVID, Annalee has devoted her energy to the arts and local community. She is part of the team behind the NC Plein Air Art Festival—an outdoor (“en plein air”) painting event—now in its 6th year and taking place May 11–17. The festival has grown into one of Eastern North Carolina’s most successful tourism events. Member Testimonials |
- Nelda Coats |
- Michelle Douglas |
- Beth Cooper |
"When I joined, I had recently taken a position with a regional mortgage company. I was responsible for my own leads and I wanted to get more plugged in to the New Bern Community. While I have received new business directly from my association with CWF, the benefits I have received are far more intangible but no less meaningful for me." 
"When I moved to New Bern, I knew that I wanted to finally get involved with my community. I joined CWF in 2019, not knowing anyone. I was the type of person who liked to "blend in with the wallpaper." With the support and the friendship that I have made, I have come out of my shell, and I am so happy that I took the chance on this organization." 
"I joined to expand my professional network, which I did do, but an even better bonus was the good friends I made." 