Mary Franco has 38 years of experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She most recently served as Executive Director of the White Plains Hospital Foundation and prior to that as President of the Norwalk Hospital Foundation. In both roles she professionalized teams and worked with boards to clearly articulate vision and goals and to vastly expand fundraising capabilities. During her tenure at Norwalk Hospital Foundation, Ruotolo Associates worked closely with Mary (from 2009 through 2013) in her role as President conducting a capital campaign – the largest in the history of Norwalk Hospital, raising in excess of $30 million.

Prior to her eleven years in hospital management, Mary spent ten years at GE Capital as Vice President for Corporate Citizenship. In that role she shaped the company’s global contributions program and budget. She was a key leader in the establishment of the GE Women’s Network and worked with the C-suite to expand the company’s profile and engagement worldwide. Ms. Franco also worked for New Balance earlier in her career.

Before working in the corporate arena, Mary was a key player in the UConn Downstate Initiative, the successful regional effort to build a campus in downtown Stamford.

Recognized as a leader in fundraising and board governance, Ms. Franco is frequently sought to provide nonprofit board training, strategy sessions, and to help shape outcomes-based goals.

Mary Franco is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Merrimack College and is a member of the Board of Directors of First County Bank. She is currently providing pro bono counsel for Voices of September 11th.

Mary lives in New Canaan, CT with her husband Mike. They have two grown sons. She spends her free time golfing, hiking, traveling, and is a marvelous cook.