IACSOS Names Its 2024 Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal

Stamford, CT - October 20, 2023 — The Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee proudly announces Kathleen A. Silard as this year's Grand Marshal for the upcoming 2024 Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade. Kathleen, currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Stamford Health System (SHS), was unveiled as the Grand Marshal nominee at a celebratory event on Monday, October 16th, at the historic Hibernian Hall on Greyrock Place in Stamford. The Grand Marshal announcement event was a festive gathering, complete with appetizers and drinks, creating a perfect backdrop for the revelry and excitement surrounding Kathleen A. Silard's nomination.

Kathleen, a first-generation Irish-American, draws her Irish heritage from her parents, Michael and Eileen Fitzmaurice, who emigrated from Ireland to New York City in the late 1940s. Kathleen's Irish heritage is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that forms the foundation of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Michael, born in Ballygar, County Galway, and Eileen, from Shronedarragh, Headford, County Kerry, instilled a strong sense of Irish identity in their home. Irish music and traditional meals were constant, and their house was often filled with cousins immigrating from Ireland.

Family vacations were always a journey back to Ireland to visit Michael and Eileen's siblings, who were the sole members of their immediate family to emigrate to the United States. Michael, a proud Irishman and member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 6 in the Bronx, ensured that marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City was a cherished family tradition.

Kathleen's own journey led her to a distinguished career in healthcare. She began as a nurse in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Albert Einstein Hospital in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Herbert H. Lehman College of the City University of New York and a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Iona College.

Kathleen's leadership has led to significant accomplishments for SHS. These include the development of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Certified hospital in 2016 and recognition from prestigious healthcare organizations. She also played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 Pandemic, collaborating with partners to serve at-risk groups and establishing an alternative care site in 2020.

In recent years, Kathleen has further solidified SHS's standing by establishing collaborative relationships with renowned healthcare institutions such as the Hospital for Special Surgery, the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, and the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, bringing world-class clinical care to Fairfield County. Kathleen's passion for making a difference in the communities served by SHS and her commitment to providing expert, compassionate care that respects patients' needs and preferences have been hallmarks of her leadership.

In her personal time, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons, and dog, Maddie. She is a voracious reader and an avid traveler.

The Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kathleen A. Silard on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to her leading the parade with Irish pride and enthusiasm.

For more information about the St. Patrick's Day Parade and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit stamfordstpatricksdayparade.com.