New College Foundation Names New Board Chair

June 17, 2022 – Sarasota

New College Foundation recently named Alison Gardner as its board chair. Gardner works with Sage Wealth Advisors as a consultant on investment portfolios for MassMutual Metro New York. Before that, she was a senior vice president and financial advisor primarily with Morgan Stanley. Gardner has served as a member of the New College Foundation’s board of directors since 2018.

MaryAnne Young, executive director of New College Foundation, has seen first-hand evidence of Gardner’s desire to make a difference for New College of Florida.

“Alison is a fervent New College champion and her commitment to support the college through the work we do at the Foundation is truly inspiring,” says Young. “Her financial expertise and guidance have been invaluable. Her passion for our students’ education and wellbeing are evident in every decision she makes. Her years of leadership will empower our forward movement toward even a brighter future.”

Gardner notes that she recently focused her community involvement to serving New College. “I’m delighted to accept my new role as board chair of the New College Foundation,” she says. “This is an exciting time for all of us at New College. With Dr. Patricia Okker at the helm, I anticipate transformative growth in our immediate future.” Gardner adds that, “Dr. Okker is a pragmatic, forward-thinking leader. For her, it’s not about ego — she’s utterly committed to taking New College to the next level. She’s gathered the best and brightest around her to create that positive change and we all share her vision. Being around her, you can’t help but feel the excitement.”

Gardner has enjoyed more than 35 years in the investment industry and as a finance analyst at Celanese Corporation, after stints at both U.S. and international publishing firms. She says that starting her financial advising career in the early 80’s has given her plenty of experience with “both fear and greed.” Gardner, a certified Reiki master, and yoga practitioner, also relishes spending time with her husband Jan and 10 children and grandchildren. She received her MBA from New York University Stern School and Certificat d’Etude from La Sorbonne in Paris, France. She did her undergraduate work and received a BA Magna Cum Laude from Duke University.

For more information about the New College Foundation, please call 941-487-4800.