Oct. 24 Proclaimed ‘Michael Marsicano Day’ to Honor Decades of Service
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, to be “Michael Marsicano Day” in Mecklenburg County.
After serving for 23 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Foundation For The Carolinas and decades as a pillar of civic engagement in Mecklenburg County, Michael Marsicano is retiring in January 2023. The proclamation, unanimously adopted by the Board, recognizes Marsicano’s years of service to the residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and North Carolina.
Foundation For The Carolinas is a Charlotte-based community foundation that advances philanthropy by serving donors, increasing charitable giving, and improving communities through civic leadership initiatives. Mr. Marsicano joined the Foundation in 1999 after serving as President and CEO of the Arts & Science Council for 10 years. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Durham Arts Council and Royal Arts Center in Durham, N.C.
The proclamation recognizes Mr. Marsicano’s role as a civic leader and highlights significant initiatives that he helped guide to completion. They include the Levine Center for the Arts, Critical Need Response Fund, Carolina Thread Trail, Leading on Opportunity, Charlotte Housing Opportunity Investment Fund, COVID-19 Response Fund, the Infusion Fund, and many others.
“You’ve built a foundation such that when you are gone, the folks behind you will be able to carry on your legacy. And that is a sign of true leadership,” said Chairman George Dunlap upon adoption of the proclamation on Oct. 18. “You’ve done a lot of extraordinary things for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and all of us agree that our community is better off. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and County staff, we’re all going to miss you.”
The Board’s proclamation notes Mr. Marsicano’s long-time role as a premier fundraiser across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, raising half a billion dollars since 2019 alone. He has also served as chairman and in key board roles for many institutions that work to make Mecklenburg County and North Carolina a better place for all: Duke University Board of Trustees, Duke University Health System Board of Directors, Queens University, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, UNC Charlotte Foundation, Vann Center for Ethics at Davidson College, Charlotte City Center Partners, and many others.
“Thank you so very much for this honor. You have touched many chords,” said Mr. Marsicano after the surprise announcement of the proclamation. “Imagine a career where every day your job is seeing the best in people. The best in public servants. The best in generous donors. The best in nonprofits working their heart out. The best side of corporations. That’s been my life, and it has been such a privilege. And you honor me so much tonight, and you make me feel that our work together has been worthy of such an honor.”
A native of New York, Mr. Marsicano received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Duke University. In addition to the proclamation, Mr. Marsicano’s achievements as a civic leader will be celebrated the evening of Oct. 24 with the illumination of the Charlotte skyline in the colors of his alma mater Duke University.
View the Board of County Commissioners meeting where it adopted the proclamation and hear full remarks from Mr. Marsicano and each member of the Board.