Linda Garbarino

Linda Garbarino comes with extensive background working with nonprofits. Throughout her thirty-three years in public education as a teacher, reading specialist, Director of Staff Development, Director of Secondary Education and Director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction.

Linda’s work with many school boards and participation on nonprofit boards provided her with knowledge about the importance of governance, bylaws, local and state laws and practices that nonprofits must know to be successful. One of Linda’s goals throughout her career focused on the visual and performing arts opportunities for K-12 students. She built up the elementary music programs through a grant from a local Education Foundation that provided after school instrumental music instruction for hundreds of students in twenty-nine elementary schools. This gradually built a stronger district-wide music program at all levels. Her work with other nonprofit boards also centered around programs for youth.

Over the last twenty-eight years, Linda dedicated her volunteer life serving with VMAPA in many capacities. Her work with the organization began in 1996 when her son, Josh, marched with the organization. Linda quickly became involved with all volunteer work.

Whether working with uniforms, painting guard floors, designing props, working Ms. Amana or stepping up to serve as secretary, vice-president and president Linda assisted the organization as they transitioned from a Booster Club to a board of professionals with skills required of all of today’s nonprofit boards. Currently, Linda serves as the Vice-Chair for the VMAPA Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Governance and Board Development Committee.

Linda said, “It’s amazing how fast this time has passed. I am very proud of my many roles with the organization over the years and encourage those with nonprofit organization experience or a true desire to volunteer, to step up. The work of the VMAPA organization impacts our youth and establishes and reinforces the skills needed by all our youth to live a successful life.”