Join us for CWF’s Evening Meeting on

April 7th, 2026 5:30pm to 7:00 pm

La Casetta

2503 Neuse Blvd, New Bern

CWF April Evening Meeting

Speaker Suzanne Gifford,

Craven County Partners in Education

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 Sta, Pte 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.

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Thank You to Our April Evening Dessert Sponsor

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Annalee Ash, 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.

Registration is required. Registration deadline is 5:00PM on the Sunday before the evening meeting.

Meal Cancellation Policy:

The final registration deadline is 5pm the Sunday before the meeting. For both the daytime and evening meetings, if you wish to receive a refund, the final cancellation deadline is 5pm the Sunday before the meeting. 

All cancellation requests and meeting registration questions must be sent to the appropriate coordinator at CWFlunch@gmail.comor CWFdinner@gmail.com. If you have not canceled your registration by the deadline, you will NOT receive a refund or credit.