For Immediate Release
BCAC Appoints New Executive Director
Mary Pat Curran Healy to take over leadership at
Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition
12/16/09
The Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition's Board of Directors is pleased to announce Mary Pat Curran Healy as the new Executive Director.
Healy has deep roots in Bridgeport. She has extensive knowledge of the Bridgeport community and has been actively involved as a board member in numerous non-profit organizations.
Most recently, she served as the community relations and government liaison for AT&T.
Healy has a passion for the well-being of Bridgeport's children and families and the issues that have long engaged members of BCAC.
Healy brings to BCAC deep knowledge and experience in fund development and community relations. She is well-known in the business and non-profit communities in Bridgeport and the region. Her father was the mayor of Bridgeport from 1965 to 1971.
Frances Newby, BCAC’s Board Chairwoman, says, “Healy will build on the foundation and community respect established under Marilyn Ondrasik's leadership. We are delighted that she is joining BCAC in this 25th anniversary year, and look forward to working with her.”
“I am eager to lead BCAC to the next level of impact in the community,” Healy says. “I am thrilled with the opportunity to be part of this important organization. I want to apply the skills I developed in corporate life as I give back to Bridgeport.”
Barbara Edinberg, who has served as BCAC’s Acting Director for the past four months, is pleased with Healy’s appointment. Edinberg comments, “I believe BCAC has found someone who will dedicate herself fully to the work on behalf of Bridgeport’s children. I am looking forward to working with Mary Pat and moving the Action Agendas of the Task Forces forward.”
Healy has already begun working with Edinberg and the rest of the staff on the transition process and will join the organization full time early in February 2010.
Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition is a coalition of 80 member organizations committed to improving the well-being of Bridgeport's children through research, advocacy, community education and mobilization. BCAC promotes policies and programs to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and safe and receive the education and skills to reach their full potential.
Founded in 1985 and incorporated in 2003, BCAC has in its 25-year history achieved significant results in the critical areas of education, health care, and safety net issues. More information on the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition is available at its website: www.bcacct.org .
In the past year, BCAC worked closely with the statewide health campaign, healthcare4every1, for expanded health care access. The result of the campaign was the approval of the state plan, SustiNet, for affordable, accessible health care coverage for Connecticut residents.