United Way of Greater New Bedford announces two new hires, Victoria Grasela, MPA – Communications and Development Associate and Maureen Sylvia, CFRE – Director of Resource Development.
“I am thrilled that we have a complete team up and running just in time for us to gear up for ourannual campaign” said Michelle Hantman, President. “Maureen and Victoria bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic and tremendous skill set to our United Way.”
Victoria Grasela
Ms. Grasela began her service at United Way in August 2009 as an intern while completing a Masters in Public Administration at Bridgewater State University, which she completed in 2010. In 2011, she took on the role of Summer Fund Coordinator working to provide summer enrichment activities and employment opportunities to youth in Greater New Bedford.
Her new responsibilities as Communications and Development Associate will include marketing and public relations, supporting the coordination of United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, day-to-day operations, and assisting in the planning and execution of events. She will also continue to lead United Way’s Summer Fund initiative.
A graduate of New Bedford High School, Ms. Grasela received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Westfield State College in 2007. She serves as the Online Chair for Relay for Life of Greater New Bedford.
Maureen Sylvia
Maureen Sylvia joins the United Way of Greater of New Bedford after serving several years as Senior Resource Development Officer at Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford/Wareham and Boys & Girls Club of Taunton. She is the former Dean of Resource Development at Bristol Community College, and worked in Alumni Relations at Bridgewater State University and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
In the role of Director of Resource Development, Maureen will organize, direct and conduct all facets of resource development including annual workplace and mail campaigns, individual giving, major giving, planned giving, grant writing, and events. “I am energized by the challenge to work with the United Way team and their many volunteers to encourage individuals and businesses to support the needs of our community with one donation to the Live United campaign,” comments Sylvia.
Ms. Sylvia received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multidisciplinary Studies (Communication Arts) from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Masters of Business Administration from Bryant University. She also is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), since 2003. Maureen is active in the community serving on the UMD Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Fairhaven Cultural Council and S&B Giving Circle. She resides in Fairhaven with her husband Ed and has four grown children and a grandson.
The United Way of Greater New Bedford serves as a conduit to raise funds, awareness and recruit volunteers to meet the needs of the community through the LIVE UNITED Movement. The United Way of Greater New Bedford operates direct programs such as the Hunger Commission, the Community Building Mini-Grants Program and Summer Fund. In addition, United Way partners with 24 nonprofit agencies in Greater New Bedford to provide funding in the areas of Basic Human Needs, Children & Youth, Health and People with Disabilities. Its service area includes; Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester and Wareham. To give, advocate, or volunteer, please visit www.unitedwayofgnb.org.