Norwalk Community College Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

Norwalk, Conn. – December 6, 2024 – The Norwalk Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. These additions strengthen the Foundation’s ability to support its mission of providing access to higher education and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals.

The first new board member, Ellen H. Petrino, is a senior advisor at XTP USA, where she specializes in total cost of ownership and implementation transparency services. With a background in investment consulting, Petrino has held prominent roles at Mercer Investment Consulting and Evaluation Associates, which she co-founded. She has extensive experience advising clients on asset allocation strategy, manager selection, and ESG policies, with a focus on endowment and foundation funds.

Ellen’s volunteer leadership roles include treasurer of the World Foundation for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Inc., treasurer of Westport Country Playhouse, and member and former chair of the Investment Committee of Mount Holyoke College.

Ellen holds an MBA in finance from New York University and a BA in political science from Mount Holyoke College.

The second new board member is Dr. Rebecca J. Wilson, LMSW, PSC a proud alumna of CT State Norwalk (formerly NCC), who embodies the transformative power of community college education. Dr. Wilson graduated with a degree in General Studies. Her classes at NCC ignited her passion for social work—a passion that inspired her to continue her studies first at Sacred Heart University and then at Fordham University, where she earned a Master of Social Work specializing in children and families.

Today, Dr. Wilson is an adjunct professor at CT State Norwalk, teaching the same Human Services course that once inspired her. She has held various roles within Stamford Public Schools and was appointed Executive Director for Access and Opportunity. Her dedication to education has earned her numerous accolades, including the Connecticut School Counselor Association’s Administrator of the Year in 2022 and the Connecticut Association for Counselor Education and Supervision award in 2023.

Dr. Wilson is a dedicated member of the Person-to-Person, Inc. Emeritus Board, The Rowan Center Advisory Council, Impact Fairfield County, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and founded RJ Wilson Educational Consulting, LLC.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Ellen and Rebecca to our board,” said Deborah C. McLean, board chair of the Norwalk Community College Foundation. “Their expertise, passion and commitment to education will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of supporting CT State Norwalk students and ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for success.”

About the Norwalk Community College Foundation

The Norwalk Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports expanding access to affordable, quality higher education, the development of a productive workforce, and contributing to the knowledge and well-being of our community by raising funds for Norwalk Community College.

The Foundation works with individuals, major corporations, and local organizations to develop new initiatives and educational partnerships to inspire and engage our community to share talents and resources. With assistance from generous donors, the NCC Foundation invests approximately $3 million annually in scholarships, faculty and program support, and student success initiatives.

For more information about the Norwalk Community College Foundation and its work, please visit www.ncc-foundation.org.

Media Contact:

Danielle Marya 
Communications Manager 
Norwalk Community College Foundation 
203-857-7261
[email protected] 
www.ncc-foundation.org