Leigh-Anne Lefurge, March of Dimes, (860) 815-9353, llefurge@marchofdimes.com

Glastonbury, CT, September 07, 2012 —

The March of Dimes, working together for stronger, healthier babies, has named Deb Poudrier-Fafard State Director of the Connecticut Chapter.  In this role, Poudrier-Fafard will manage a chapter staff of 12 and coordinate with volunteers statewide to lead strategic fund development to support research, education, community programs and advocacy to help moms have healthier babies and full-term pregnancies.

“The board of directors is so pleased that Deb has been promoted to State Director.  Deb excelled in her previous position as Executive Director for the Greater Connecticut Division.  I am confident that her dedication, tireless energy and passion for the mission will lead the Chapter to continued success in her new role,” said Michael Botelho, Chairman of the March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter Board of Directors.  “This recognition of her outstanding work is much deserved.” 

Poudrier-Fafard joined the March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter in 2007, most recently serving as Executive Director of its Greater Connecticut Division.  In six years under her guidance, Greater Hartford March for Babies, the chapter’s largest walk event, has grown nearly 62%, raising over $460,000 in 2012.  She has also led the division team to exceed a $1 million special events budget.

“I look forward to working with the board, volunteers and staff around the state as we work for stronger, healthier babies,” said Poudrier-Fafard.  “As the mother of a premature baby myself, I have seen firsthand the devastation and struggles that families endure when faced with a poor birth outcome.  Through 75 years of research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs, the March of Dimes has been there for each family, and together we can all make a difference.”

Previously to the March of Dimes, Poudrier-Fafard served in fundraising roles at Hartford Hospital, ECHN Community Health Foundation, and the Arthritis Foundation.  She is also a leader in the fitness industry, with 33 years of educating teens, athletic teams and adults on how to obtain their goals in nutrition and well-being.

Poudrier-Fafard, with her husband Alan, is a resident of Manchester, Connecticut.  She has two sons, Jordan and Ryan.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.