The IndependenceFirst Board of Directors has named Marcia Boucher as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. Boucher will assume her new position on Jan. 14.

Relocating to Milwaukee from California for the position, Boucher brings 30 years of management experience, most recently spending nearly a decade as the executive director of the Society for disABILITIES in Modesto, California.

The Society has enhanced the quality of life for people with disabilities within California’s Central Valley through workforce development job training services, educational and recreational programs, resource and referral services, a long-standing special needs program and the operation of a loan closet of adaptive equipment.

Under Boucher’s leadership, the organization grew from serving 175 people per year to helping over 27,000 individuals annually across all programs. Boucher’s advocacy efforts were instrumental in the State of California’s declaration of June as Disability Awareness Month.  

"Marci brings the experience, passion and energy to lead the growth of IndependenceFirst’s capabilities as an independent living center and provider of personal care services," stated Mike Lipscomb, IndependenceFirst Board Chairman. "She is well positioned to help us enhance our services and brand in the market, broaden fund raising sources and ensure our long-term sustainability as THE resource for people with disabilities."  

Boucher attended Purdue University’s School of Philanthropy specializing in non-profit management and she is a Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM). She was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for helping to raise over $35 million to feed the hungry, house the poor and help people with disabilities live a life of self-sufficiency.