Jennifer Lagrotteria just moved to Marion in February, but being new to town hasn’t stopped her from making waves in the local art world.

A former public relations specialist in Manhattan, Lagrotteria was recently named the Executive Director of the New Bedford Art Museum.

Both Lagrotteria and her husband John worked in New York City before moving to Annapolis, Maryland. The two packed up and moved to Marion this past winter after John accepted a new job in the area.

Lagrotteria is two weeks into her new position with the museum and said she has been immersing herself into learning the ins and outs of the job.

“There is a lot for me to learn but I’m enjoying the learning curve,” she said. “We have a great team over at the museum. I’m coming in on an exciting time.”

In the future, Lagrotteria said she would like to foster more youth programs, which she said is important to the museum’s staff as well. The museum sponsors several youth art programs throughout the year.

Previously, Lagrotteria worked for Fortune magazine, as well as for People magazine and Parenting magazine.

While she was living in Maryland, Lagrotteria was the Communications Director for the Boys and Girls Club.

In 2007, she and John started their own non-profit organization, Charity Begins, Inc. Through their charity, travelers gather and deliver necessities such as school supplies and clothing to foreign countries. Lagroterria said she and John are also developing a database of non-profits both domestic and abroad.

Although she comes from the fast-paced city life of New York, Lagrotteria said she is loving the small town atmosphere of Marion.

“I love it,” she said. “I have never heard of Marion before my husband said we were moving here. There are a lot of programs and things to do. It’s fun. It’s the best kept secret.”

With a new job and her successful acclimation to small town life complete, Lagrotteria said she has no intention of leaving.

“It just all happened really fast, which is exciting,” she said. “I’m passionate about the museum. It’s absolutely beautiful here. There’s a lot of great synergy.”