Southport, CT - Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is thrilled to announce that Brenda Marsian has assumed the new role of Chief Development Officer as of August 3, 2020. Prior to joining WBGC, Brenda was the CDO for Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA where she directed a successful $12.3 Million comprehensive campaign and grew their Annual Fund results by over 50%. In 2014, Brenda and her team were recognized with the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) Eagle Award for Fundraising Excellence, given to one out of 1,000 YMCAs annually.
Prior to joining the YMCA, Brenda was Director of Development for eight years at Springfield College where she led a successful $40 Million campaign and a team of six development professionals. Brenda is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and was a consultant with Ketchum as well as a major gifts manager for Western New England University, University of Connecticut, and Northfield Hermon School.
Brenda earned an M. A. in Communications from the University of Hartford and a B. A. in English from Western New England University.
Brenda enjoys writing, CrossFit, watching her son play volleyball and planning her next family trip. She and her husband John and son Shawn reside in South Glastonbury, CT.
Sabrina Smeltz, CEO of WBGC states, “We are excited to have Brenda as part of the administrative team. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is at a pivotal point as we grow and expand our reach to impact more local youth. We know Brenda’s extensive experience in resource development will be critical in moving the organization forward.”
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club also recently welcomed Shawn Blagmon as Program Director of Leadership & Academics at the Southport Clubhouse. Selected in March to lead the Club’s Keystone Club and Torch Club leadership programs along with the After School Program’s Power Hour homework program, Shawn’s start on staff was delayed by the pandemic. Shawn was able to officially come on board in mid-June, helping the Southport Clubhouse get ready to reopen and diving right into Summer Camp. During the school year. Shawn will also focus on new tween and teen initiatives and SMART Moves programming for all ages.
Shawn is a native of Westchester, NY and graduated from Hunter College with a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Journalism. He has held numerous leadership positions, including at several YMCAs, before moving to Connecticut last year.
“Our extensive hiring committee consisting of professional staff, part time staff, Keystoners and other members felt an instant connection to Shawn through his energy, curiosity and thoughtful approach to supporting youth. We’re thrilled to have him as the newest member of our professional team,” said Southport Unit Director Tim Cepetelli.
About Wakeman Boys & Girls Club
Since 1913, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club has provided a safe place for youth and teens after school, evenings and weekends. Focused on Academics, Character & Leadership Development, and Healthy Lifestyles with nationally acclaimed programming, the Club continues its mission "to guide and inspire young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens." Led by professional staff and volunteers, the organization serves 3,000 youth annually through its Southport Clubhouse, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse in Bridgeport, and Outreach at McKinley and Holland Hill Schools in Fairfield.
For more information about Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, visit www.wakemanclub.org