In a recent episode of The Real Craven County Schools podcast, host Jennifer welcomed Suzanne Gifford, the newly appointed executive director of Partners in Education. Gifford, who has a rich background in community service and education, shared her journey and experiences that led her to this pivotal role.

Having returned to New Bern 17 years ago after living in Hawaii, Gifford has held several significant positions in the community. She served two terms as the executive director of the Coastal Women's Shelter, where she gained valuable experience in leadership and community outreach. Following her tenure there, she transitioned to the role of executive director at the Craven Community College Foundation, focusing on fundraising and grant writing.

Gifford's career then took her into the realm of early childhood education, where she worked as the deputy program director for Coastal Community Action. In this capacity, she oversaw programs such as Head Start and NC Pre-K, impacting a wide area that included Craven, Carteret, Jones, and Pamlico counties. Her passion for early childhood education led her to assist in establishing an Early Head Start program in Onslow County, further expanding her expertise in this vital sector.

Most recently, Gifford served as the chief program officer for 1 Place, a Smart Start program, where she continued her work with early childhood initiatives. Her desire to return to New Bern and contribute to the community ultimately guided her to apply for the executive director position at Partners in Education, a role she sees as a perfect fit for her skills and aspirations.

With her extensive background in community service and education, Gifford is poised to make a significant impact in her new role, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to the educational needs of the Craven County community.