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Longtime board member, patient at The Wright Center honored with national award for volunteer leadership in community health
Mary Marrara, co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors and secretary of The Wright Center for Community Health Board of Directors – both of which she helped found – has been awarded the 2025 Ethel Bond Memorial Consumer Award by the National Association of Community Health Centers. This prestigious, national honor recognizes her exceptional volunteer leadership in health center development and her steadfast, compassionate commitment to advancing the mission of community health centers.
Mary Marrara, co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Board of Directors and secretary of The Wright Center for Community Health Board of Directors
The award was presented during NACHC’s annual Community Health Institute (CHI) – Community Health Conference & Expo, held Aug. 17-19, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Illinois.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the Ethel Bond Memorial Consumer Award,” said Marrara, a longtime Jermyn resident and community volunteer. “As a breast cancer survivor, longtime patient of The Wright Center, and proud member of this community, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when patients have a voice and a seat at the table. From organizing our first health fair to helping shape our boards and programs, my journey with The Wright Center has always been about building trust, lifting others, and making sure every person feels seen, heard, and cared for. This award means so much because it represents the heart of our mission – people helping people, with compassion and purpose.”
Marrara also co-founded The Wright Center’s Wonderful Women Breast Cancer Support Group, where she supports, uplifts, and empowers others facing cancer.
Since 2010, Marrara has been a driving force in The Wright Center’s growth. As co-chair of the annual Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament for the past three years, she has led one of the nonprofit organization’s most significant fundraising efforts, supporting The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement’s mission to improve health through education, advocacy, and services that address poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and other barriers to care. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has expanded impactful outreach efforts, including food and coat drives, back-to-school supply distributions, health fairs, and blood drives.
“With a generous heart full of compassion, a deep well of lived experience, and a steadfast commitment to community, Mary Marrara has helped shape who we are as an enterprise,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “Her grassroots advocacy and authentic, joyful service have empowered and elevated our mission and continuously inspired countless people, including me. This well-deserved recognition, receiving the National Association of Community Health Centers’ Ethel Bond Memorial Consumer Award, is a powerful affirmation of the impact one person can have when guided by purpose and unwavering love for humanity and her community.”
In addition to her volunteer work with The Wright Center, Marrara has an extensive record of community leadership and service throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. She has played a key leadership role with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, serving as the board’s vice president for marketing and public relations, as well as vice chair of the Philharmonic League. She is also a member of the Keystone Chapter of UNICO National and the Jermyn Lions Club.
Marrara has supported and volunteered with organizations such as Allied Services, St. Joseph’s Center, and Meals on Wheels of Lackawanna County, which awarded her the Elaine F. Shepard Award for Exceptional Volunteerism.
She has also served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including the American Red Cross of Lackawanna County, UNICO National Scranton Chapter, La Festa Italiana, the Anthracite Historical Discovery Center, Keystone College, Mayfield’s St. Rose Academy, the Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, the Susan G. Komen NEPA Race for the Cure, and Aylesworth Park Authority.
Her outstanding commitment has earned her numerous other recognitions, including the 2024 Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic League Honoree, the 2016 UNICAN of the Year, and the 2015 Past Presidents Award from the UNICO National Scranton Chapter, the 2013 Everyday Heroes Award from the American Red Cross of Lackawanna County, and the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award from Jermyn Borough.
Marrara and her husband, Philip, have been married for 55 years. Their family includes a son, also named Philip, his wife, Stacy, and her son, Jeremy.
