Rosemarie A. Burton

Who is your most influential role model, and why?

I would have to say my mother, Lillian Cocchiaro. Even though, or perhaps because she had to leave school in order to go to work and help support her family, she placed a very high value on education. In a time when there weren’t as many advantages for girls and women, my mom raised me to believe that I could pursue whatever goal I set my heart upon. My choice of becoming a special education teacher brought her much joy and launched me on a path to impact the lives of children with special needs.

My mother’s strong faith also provided my brother and me with a firm foundation on which to build our lives.

Why are you good at what you do?

Because I love it. I am passionate about our mission to help children and families, and I am always looking for new and better ways to serve them. My makeup is such that I have the ability to dream big, and my role as president of Klingberg Family Centers leaves me room to exercise my visionary capacity. The best part is that I have been blessed with a talented, hard-working staff equally committed to our mission.

How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?

As a private, nonprofit service provider, the nature of our work involves constantly giving back to the community.  We invest in the lives of children each day in ways big and small, from teaching basic living and social skills to helping them overcome severe trauma.

I encourage our administrators to also give back to the community by serving on boards and committees, and championing the causes of children and families at the state and federal levels.

When the stress level gets too high, what’s your secret remedy?

I was tempted to answer chocolate, but that can only get you so far. I have found that pilates, weight training and running provide a very constructive release from tension. I also satisfy my creative side through scrap booking, which I find to be relaxing yet very productive. Spending time with friends and family always brings things back into perspective for me as well.

 
How have you tried to balance your career and personal life? Give an example or two.

My No. 1 equalizer is my husband, Tony. He keeps me grounded and makes life so much easier in countless ways. He’s a good listener, a great cook and is willing to do the shopping  (even for most of my clothes. He has great taste in fashion.)

My very close relationships with several other female executives around the country have been a tremendous resource. We genuinely like and care for each other and understand the types of challenges each one faces.

My volunteer work with Soroptimist International of the Americas and Special Olympics Connecticut is also another important way I use my time and talents to serve and give back to the communities I care about.

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Name: Rosemarie A. Burton

Occupation: Executive, nonprofit social services agency

Location of Business: 370 Linwood St., New Britain

Miscellaneous: Burton is a member of the board of directors for the National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health, Special Olympics Connecticut, Soroptomist International of the Americas, and the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services. 

She holds a master’s degree in special education and a sixth year degree in school administration from Southern Connecticut State University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in child development and family relations from the University of Connecticut.

Burton was honored in 2004 as the Executive of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Services and, in 2001, the Susan St. James Leadership Award for her involvement with Special Olympics of Connecticut. Most recently, she was named to the Cheshire High School Hall of Fame for her accomplishments and civic mindedness.