As the Commonwealth Medical College attempts to achieve financial stability, the school's new vice president for institutional advancement will have a significant role.
Marise Garofalo will oversee development, alumni relations and marketing communications. Most recently the assistant vice president for development at the University of Scranton, she will begin at TCMC on Monday.
"It's just such an exciting opportunity," she said.
Though the college is off probation because of its financial difficulties, officials are still looking for permanent solutions for funding. When the college was on probation and did not have a permanent president, donors were at times skeptical about giving.
"Now we're in a position to be able to look donors in the eye and say we're here for the long haul," said Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., who was appointed as president and dean in August.
As soon as she begins, Ms. Garofalo will start working on an aggressive fundraising plan, including increasing the donor base and seeking corporate and foundation support. Dr. Scheinman is confident she will be able to build endowments for academics and scholarships.
"She is tremendously energetic, intelligent, an organized thinker, a strategic thinker. She's very articulate and very passionate about TCMC," Dr. Scheinman said.
Ms. Garofalo said she is excited to be involved in the mission of the medical college.
"I think this is the best thing that has ever happened to Scranton," she said. "It's so vital for our region."
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