Class of 2026

Class of ’26

Attorney by training, sustainable investing professional by trade, and a lifelong advocate for equity and community resilience. Over the past two decades, I’ve led sustainability and stewardship initiatives at two of the world’s largest asset managers, helping to shape responsible investment practices and drive progress on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. My work has focused on using the power of capital to influence systemic change and promote greater accountability across global institutions.

Yet, through this work, I’ve come to believe that meaningful, lasting change often begins at the local level. Strong, inclusive communities—particularly those historically underserved—are the foundation of a just and sustainable society. My career began with a focus on child and family well-being, earning degrees in Child and Family Studies and Law. That foundation, rooted in care and advocacy, has shaped my approach to leadership: collaborative, values-driven, and impact-oriented.

Today, I’m focused on bridging the gap between large-scale influence and community-level impact—bringing my experience in corporate sustainability into spaces that elevate equity, expand access, and strengthen local capacity. I’m committed to partnering with organizations and leaders working to advance justice, opportunity, and resilience where it’s needed most.

Class of ’26

Kennidy Asche is the Marketing & Events Manager for Bring Back the Trades, a Rye-based nonprofit dedicated to opening doors into careers in the skilled trades through advocacy, skills expos, and scholarships. She joined the team in August 2025 and now leads communications, partnerships, and events that help students and families imagine futures in hands-on pathways.

Her career has spanned nearly a decade in nonprofit and K–12 education, where she focused on operations, communications, and program management to better support teachers, youth, and communities nationwide. With a master’s degree in the Sociology of Education, Kennidy brings a people-first, systems-minded approach to every role she takes on.

Kennidy grew up in a tiny South Dakota town — the kind of place where everyone really does know your name — before moving east in 2018. Boston was her first stop, but Portsmouth quickly became home thanks to her partner, Matt, who grew up down the road in Exeter. She’s embraced the Seacoast with curiosity, inspired by the way its people and entrepreneurs invest in one another. Local podcasts like Granite Goodness and Seacoast Stories helped her find her bearings and sparked her enthusiasm for trying new activities and discovering local restaurants.

Outside of work, Kennidy enjoys reading and staying active. Volleyball remains a constant in her life, whether she’s playing, coaching, or reporting for NH SportsPage (fun fact: she and Matt first met playing adult nationals in Orlando, FL). Yet no matter how busy things get, her favorite moments are the ones spent with her rescue pup, Lucky.

Class of ’26

Dave is a seasoned executive with over 28 years of experience in the natural gas and electric utility industry, holding several board positions in the Seacoast area. As a leader in the energy sector, he has a proven track record of leading strategic energy projects that resulted in significant growth throughout the region. During his career, he’s held key roles at Unitil and NiSource where he was instrumental in growing their energy distribution systems and leading successful market expansions in a complex regulated industry. His deep industry knowledge is grounded in a career dedicated to sustainable growth, exemplary customer experience, and a progressive focus on grid modernization.

Beyond his executive roles, Dave has translated his operation expertise into board-level contributions. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth, where he provides strategic guidance on market strategy and stakeholder relations. Additionally, he’s served as Secretary on Dover’s Recreation Advisory Board for over 10 years, bringing industry knowledge to advise on capital projects and long-term planning. Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Hampshire and is dedicated to mentorship and talent development within the energy sector. Outside of his professional life, he is an outdoor enthusiast and advocate for community initiatives related to clean energy.

Class of ’26

Barry is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Hampshire. He also holds an MBA with a focus in finance from Southern New Hampshire University. Barry works to empower clients so they may set and meet financial goals that align with their values. He achieves this by getting to know his clients well and using that insight to provide the guidance needed to navigate decisions with confidence and clarity.

A lifelong New Hampshire resident, Barry has deep roots in New England. He loves spending time outdoors with family and friends, enjoying all the natural beauty that the Seacoast has to offer.

Class of ’26

Holly Blais is the founder of Projectlife Services, where she partners with schools and community agencies to build human-centered, sustainable systems that help people feel seen, supported, and capable of real change. A lifelong New Hampshire resident with twenty-five years of experience in public education, she draws on her background in special education, behavior analysis, and educational leadership to help teams align their practices with their values through behavioral science, organizational design, and restorative practices.

Holly recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, studying adolescent prejudicial bullying through a phenomenological-behavioral lens that connects scientific rigor with lived experience to drive systemic change. She collaborates with school leaders, researchers, and community partners locally, nationally, and internationally, working to break down silos between schools and the broader community, so that all systems can grow and learn together. Yet, she remains deeply committed to fostering innovation and improvement within her Seacoast community.

Outside of work, Holly finds joy in the chaotic rhythm of family life. Whether cheering at her daughter’s tennis matches or standing ovations at her performances, running or hiking through the woods with her husband, or being a witness to her two grown stepsons’ evolution into adulthood. Life is messy, and Holly is here for it.

Class of ’26

Gina is the Operations Manager at the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, where she helps create programs and events that bring people together around history, culture, and community. Highlights of her work include organizing a memorial walk for the 60th Anniversary of Dr. King’s March on Washington and co-founding the Seacoast Banned Book Club in partnership with the Langdon Library and the Seacoast African American Cultural Center.

Gina grew up in Rochester, New York, and now makes her home in Rochester, New Hampshire, a full-circle journey from one Rochester to another. Having lived in the Seacoast for over 20 years, she is deeply invested in the region and in building inclusive, creative spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Outside of her professional role, Gina is passionate about the arts and community engagement. She has stage-managed productions at regional theaters such as the Players’ Ring and Rochester Opera House and brings her love of mentorship and teamwork to roller derby, where she has skated, coached, and served on the boards of area leagues for more than a decade.

Grounded in values of equity, kindness, and connection, Gina believes in the power of both the arts and education to strengthen communities. Whether on stage, on skates, or at work, she strives to create opportunities for people to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

Class of ’26

Amelia began at Friends Forever International (FFI), a nonprofit organization that offers youth leadership programs, in January 2019 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member and is now the Operations Manager, overseeing the organization’s overall operations, including its campuses worldwide. She also manages event planning, marketing and design initiatives, and strategic projects. Previously, Amelia worked as a Visa Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital and the National Institutes of Health, supporting international researchers in navigating complex visa processes.

With a master’s in international education from SIT Graduate Institute and a Bachelor’s in French and Global Studies from Salve Regina University, Amelia leverages her global education expertise to enhance FFI’s operations and international presence. She is passionate about cross-cultural education and fostering global connections.

Amelia lives in Kittery and enjoys spending most of her free time with a good book and her 90-pound lap dog.

Class of ’26

Melissa Caldwell is the Executive Director of Seacoast Community School, where she leads with a deep commitment to ensuring all children have access to high-quality early education and care. She carries three degrees—a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a Mathematics concentration (University of Maine at Farmington), a Master’s in Literacy Education (University of Southern Maine), and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership (University of New England).

With more than 23 years of experience in education, Melissa has taught, led, and advocated across many roles. Her career includes serving as an elementary school principal, Director of Professional Growth (where she trained teachers and expanded Pre-K programming), and working with the Maine Department of Education to design and implement Pre-K curriculum. These experiences, along with her advocacy in project-based learning, provide a strong foundation for her leadership at Seacoast Community School.

Under Melissa’s direction, Seacoast Community School now serves more than 400 children annually, employs 50 staff members, and remains accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She has guided the school through facility renovations, staff development initiatives, and strengthened community partnerships—all with the goal of supporting children and families across the Seacoast.

When she isn’t advocating for education, Melissa is with her children, Lucian and Maia. Together they can often be found at the soccer field, lacrosse field, or dance studio, or spending time at Great Moose Lake in Maine, where they enjoy paddleboarding, water skiing, boating, and making lasting family memories on the water.

Class of ’26

I’m a Certified Recovery Support Worker with a deep passion for supporting underserved and unhoused communities, something I’ve been dedicated to for over a decade. As a mom of three amazing daughters, I’ve learned the value of patience, resilience, and compassion, qualities I bring into my work every day. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me soaking up time in nature, practicing yoga, or just enjoying the simple things that keep me grounded.

Class of ’26

Beth joined the Exeter Area YMCA in 2023 as Membership Director, bringing with her over 30 years of deep community involvement and leadership. Recently promoted to Associate Director of Operations for the Southern District YMCA, she now supports a broader range of programs and services, including Camp Lincoln and the YMCA’s Child Care operations.

A longtime resident of Stratham, Beth has been an active civic, business, and volunteer leader in both Stratham and Exeter. Since 2018, she has served as Stratham’s Deputy Town Moderator. In Exeter, she leads the Town’s Holiday Lights and Holiday Parade Committees, efforts she has championed for over 20 years.

Beth’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to economic development were clearly demonstrated during her ten years as a small business owner in downtown Exeter. She founded the Historic Exeter Retail Owners Network (HERON), a collaborative group that united local merchants and strengthened the downtown economy. Under her leadership, Exeter gained national recognition in 2017 as a top ten finalist in Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution.

Beth’s passion for building strong communities was further fueled during her work with the Town of Hampton’s Recreation Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience inspired her to join the YMCA, where she continues her lifelong mission of connecting people, supporting families, and strengthening community ties.

Outside of work, Beth enjoys seasonal outdoor activities on both land and water. She and her husband live in Stratham with their beloved rescue pets.

Class of ’26

Rae joined the workforce with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Biology, but her passion for local food and reducing food insecurity led her to a career change in 2021. 
Starting in her own local food community, she began working with a Community Supported Agriculture and Farmer’s Market program at Heron Pond Farm in South Hampton, NH. There, she learned the connection between food and community. From this inspiration, she began working at Spoonfuls of Newton, MA, as a Food Rescue Coordinator. Seeing the impact of food waste, Rae then accepted a role at Gather as a Mobile Market Manager. This connected all of her previous roles of food waste, community and connection. Rae has now become an Associate Director of Operations and continues to strive to provide fresh food, safety, and dignity in our community.

Outside of work, Rae enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family, including her adorable rescue, Boomer.

Class of ’26

Nadja is a marketing strategist and business coach who loves helping small business owners find clarity and confidence in their marketing so they can grow without burning out. After more than 20 years working in marketing and leadership roles – from big global brands to small startups – she now focuses on supporting local entrepreneurs here on the Seacoast.

Originally from Germany, Nadja moved to New Hampshire for a job and thought she’d stay for two years at most. Eight years later, she’s still here (by choice!) and proud to call NH home. She’s involved in the local business community as a chamber networking chair, SCORE mentor, keynote speaker and occasional panel moderator.

When she’s not working with clients or volunteering, you can usually find Nadja at a local festival (she’ll happily jump in to help if you need an extra set of hands), out on a convertible drive, or walking her two rescue dogs by the water or on the top of a mountain.

Class of ’26

Steffany is a human resource professional with a B.S. in Business Administration as well as a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional. She has worked in human resources for several industries and in different parts of the country. She’s currently the human resource leader for Piscataqua Savings Bank.

Steffany was born in Brazil but grew up in Dover, New Hampshire. Her experience growing up as an immigrant impacts her life in many ways. She’s passionate about helping others, which connects to her career in human resources. From a young age, she’s loved volunteering for many causes. She has volunteered for local community theater programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, her church, and more. She participates actively in the communities where she lives and works. Professionally, Steffany volunteers as the Vice President of the Seacoast Human Resource Association and a Board Member of non-profit Rett’s Roost, which supports families affected by childhood cancer.

Class of ’26

Steve is the Director of Admissions at Great Bay Community College. In this role, Steve is responsible for helping students from diverse backgrounds start or continue their academic journeys. As a first-generation college student and adult learner, he especially enjoys working with this population who may have thought college was not for them or was unattainable.

Steve grew up in Kittery, Maine, and after high school worked a series of dead-end jobs before realizing at 22 that maybe college was a good idea. Needing direction and self-discipline (and a way to pay for said college), he enlisted in the US Air Force and turned 23 in boot camp. Through tuition assistance and the GI Bill, Steve earned an AS in Hazardous Materials Management through Green River Community College, a BS in Environmental Safety and Health from the University of Southern Maine, and an MBA from Touro University International while balancing work and family commitments. During his 20-year military career, Steve served as a jet engine mechanic and after completing an officer commissioning program, served as a munitions and nuclear weapons maintenance officer. During a special duty tour as an Air Force ROTC instructor, he realized higher education was something he could really get into after finishing his military career, leading him to his current second career.

In his off-time, Steve enjoys pouring money and time into his mid-life crisis project, a 1982 Chevy Camaro Z28. He’s also part of a therapy dog team with his golden retriever Brady.

Class of ’26

Zoe is the Director of Outreach and Education at the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (known to most as SELT). After graduating from UNH with a bachelor’s degree in environmental conservation studies, Zoe realized that her lack of math skills would sadly keep her from becoming a true scientist and sought to find another niche in which to settle in the conservation world. Zoe started working at SELT in 2014, doing data entry two days a week. After many years of wearing many different hats at the organization, she joined SELT’s Leadership Team in January of 2024. Now she oversees a small but mighty team of two who deliver fun and educational programming to all members of the community, connecting people to the outdoors, and fostering a love for and understanding of the natural world.

A familiar face to many because of her decade of service in the Portsmouth restaurant scene, Zoe has lived in the seacoast area for thirty years and currently resides in Berwick with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Class of ’26

Emmy is the Executive Director of the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast, where she leads regional efforts to expand affordable housing for working families and individuals. She connects housing solutions to broader economic and community development goals, coordinating programs that equip leaders with the tools and knowledge to tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges. Emmy also oversees organizational operations, manages funding streams, and leads a team of staff and volunteers to ensure meaningful impact.

Before joining the Coalition, Emmy was Community Engagement Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, where she developed engagement strategies across transportation and economic development programs and helped launch a regional housing initiative supporting municipalities in creating more housing-friendly communities.

Emmy began her career with Avesta Housing, a nonprofit developer in Maine and New Hampshire, managing housing applications for underserved populations, including low-income residents, seniors, asylum seekers, and unhoused individuals. This early experience revealed the powerful role of affordable housing in shaping strong, thriving communities—a lesson that has guided her work ever since.

She holds a Master of Public Administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire. Emmy’s career reflects a commitment to bridging housing, economic development, and community vitality to create lasting opportunities for the region’s families and workforce.

Class of ’26

Auburn is a driven relationship builder with a passion for community connection. With a background in business development, leadership, and a heart for service, she thrives on creating meaningful partnerships that foster growth for individuals both personally and professionally.

Currently working in the credit union space, Auburn collaborates with local leaders to bring financial wellness resources directly to the community, helping people navigate the often-overwhelming world of banking with clarity and confidence. She’s known for her warm, genuine approach and her belief that strong relationships are the foundation of long-term success.

Outside of work, Auburn is active in professional networking groups, serves as a chamber ambassador, and volunteers her time to support local causes. Whether she’s leading an educational workshop or simply sharing a cup of coffee with a new connection, Auburn brings authenticity, enthusiasm, and purpose to everything she does.

Class of ’26

Hello everyone, my name is April S. Jackson and I’m honored to join you on this leadership journey. I bring with me over 12 years of combined service in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, where I’ve had the privilege of serving in both health services management and public affairs. My military experience has shaped my leadership style, rooted in service, adaptability, and mission-focused communication.

Outside the uniform, I wear several hats. I’m a public relations practitioner, media producer and real estate professional, running my own ventures with a strong focus on storytelling, branding, and community engagement. For over a decade, I was also a certified fitness professional with multiple credentials from NASM and other organizations and used wellness as a tool to empower others to lead healthier, more confident lives.

Raised in a small Baptist church where my father was Pastor, I developed a deep commitment to service and leadership early on. That foundation helped me grow into roles that blend creativity with accountability, whether managing church media programs, serving on nonprofit boards, or supporting strategic or crisis communications for military leadership.

I’m currently focused on elevating my communication and leadership skills to create meaningful impact in the community. This class is an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside other leaders. I’m especially interested in how we can lead with empathy and clarity across diverse environments.

I’m looking forward to learning from each of you and contributing to our shared success in this course.

Class of ’26

Emily is a passionate Community Relations Coordinator at Bangor Savings Bank, where she bridges the gap between corporate responsibility and community impact across New Hampshire. With a deep commitment to service, she works closely with local nonprofits to coordinate volunteer initiatives, manage sponsorships, and strengthen community partnerships.

Emily’s drive to foster meaningful change stems from both personal and professional values. She sees leadership as a blend of advocacy, trust, and action, qualities she brings to every project. Her role allows her to uplift others, amplify local voices, and support long-term community resilience.

She values genuine connection, an always-learning mindset, and seeks out opportunities to engage meaningfully with her community. Outside of work, Emily loves traveling throughout New England, supporting local businesses, taking a good workout class, and perfecting a cup of coffee – ideally while surrounded by great conversation and new ideas.

Class of ’26

Deb is an organizational development strategist and leadership team coach with 40 years of experience guiding and equipping organizations to grow through providing transformational growth experiences for their people. Known for blending results-driven solutions with a deep commitment to values-driven leadership, Deb trains teams to develop elevated human skills and build people’s resilience to keep pace with rapid change and the rise in this Ai era.

As Founder of Kaplan Performance Partners, LLC and a full-suite Dale Carnegie trainer, Deb designs and delivers programs in leadership, high-stakes presentation, storytelling, communication, presence, influence, front-line management, sales, service, teaming, and collaboration.

Her foundation in Broadcast Journalism at Boston University sparked her belief in the power of storytelling and clear communication, while her Master’s in Organizational Development and Management from Antioch New England deepened her systems-thinking approach and dedication to cultivating leaders who create lasting impact.

After eight years in senior roles with global organizations, Deb refocused her efforts in 2022 on serving New Hampshire’s business and nonprofit landscape. She now co-facilitates the NH Tech Alliance’s Ascending Leaders in Tech program, serves as an Executive in Residence for the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute’s Startup Lab, and sits on the NH Theatre Project board. She is also active with Plan NH, the Portsmouth Rotary Club, and recently joined the roster of Professional Partners to support incubator participants at GoodWork Seacoast.

Deb lives in Portsmouth with her husband and dog and enjoys long-distance cycling, playing classical flute, rhythm guitar, singing jazz, and gardening.

Class of ’26

Cellist Eli Kaynor is a touring musician with more than a decade of experience building audiences and fostering community. His career encompasses the full gamut of musical genres, including chamber, orchestral, solo, ethnic, folk, and rock, and he has shared the stage with such artists as Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Ma, Sarah Brightman, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. In addition to being an active performer and teaching artist, Eli also serves as Chief Development Officer for Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC), a nonprofit music and visual arts center in the heart of New Hampshire’s vibrant Seacoast community.

Class of ’26

David is the owner of Keslar Insurance Agency, where he and his team help families and businesses protect the things they’ve worked hard for. While Property and Casualty insurance can often feel complicated or overwhelming, David takes pride in making it simple, approachable, and easy to understand. His goal is always the same: to give people confidence and peace of mind knowing they’re covered.

David brings a strong background of service, education, and leadership to his work. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Enterprise, an experience that shaped his discipline, resilience, and commitment to teamwork. Following his service, David earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Emmanuel College and went on to complete his MBA at Southern New Hampshire University.

Community involvement is also a big part of who David is. Through Keslar Cares, his agency partners with local nonprofits, providing hands-on help, volunteer hours, and financial support. He has also served on nonprofit boards and believes strongly in giving back to strengthen the communities he serves.

Outside of work, David is married to his wonderful wife and is a proud dad to three kids. Family time is what he values most, whether that’s enjoying a quiet evening together or exploring the outdoors. He especially enjoys hiking, skiing, and being active in nature. Staying connected to family and the outdoors keeps him grounded and inspired.

Class of ’26

Anna-Lise is the Executive Director at the YMCA of the Seacoast in Portsmouth, a branch of The Granite YMCA. She has been a YMCA professional with The Granite YMCA since 2013, starting in the aquatics department at the Goffstown location, moving into an Operations Director role before transitioning over to the Seacoast location in July of 2024.

Anna-Lise grew up in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and attended Nichols College graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, General Business. Like many young adults, Anna-Lise wasn’t sure exactly where her professional path would lead—but youth development and health and wellness naturally found their way to her. Her career in aquatics began when she was 15 and became a lifeguard and swim instructor and years later becoming the coach of the youth swim team that she swam for as a child. Later she joined the YMCA in Goffstown as the Head Coach of their competitive swim team and 12 years later is now an Executive Director.

Anna-Lise has a passion for supporting the people around her by helping them develop into the best version of themselves. This began when she was coaching the swim team, where she taught kids about responsibility, respect, and the importance of trying new things—even when they’re difficult—and trying again when things don’t go as planned, all while celebrating every win along the way. It carries over into supervising young adult staff who may be in their first job, hiring recent graduates eager to start their careers, or collaborating with seasoned professionals. As Executive Director of the Seacoast YMCA, Anna-Lise is focused on strengthening relationships with community partners and delivering high-quality programs.

Class of ’26

Zach serves as the Director of Business Applications at The RiverWoods Group, where he oversees the implementation of SaaS-based applications across the RiverWoods system. In this capacity, Zach collaborates closely with both community staff and RiverWoods Group staff to identify business requirements and align them with technologies that ensure scalable solutions to support the organization’s growth. To ensure successful project implementations, Zach collaborates with his team of project managers and business analysts.

Before joining RiverWoods, Zach spent two decades in the banking and financial services industry, primarily as a consultant leading large projects and initiatives for various clients. He holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

Zach resides in Stratham, NH, with his wife Meredith and their three children, Genevieve, Hugh, and Will. The family has lived there for the past ten years and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially skiing at Sunday River in Maine during the winter months.

Class of ’26

MJ is the Manager of Business Process & Systems Support at FedPoint. She previously spent 18 years at Liberty Mutual, building her career on the Seacoast of New Hampshire.

Born in the Philippines and raised in a military family, MJ spent her early years in locations as far-flung as Iceland before eventually attending high school and college in Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree from The College of William and Mary and has called the Seacoast of New Hampshire home for the past 25 years.

A lifelong learner, MJ is driven by a passion for helping others grow. She has served as treasurer for both the Dover High School Swim Team Boosters and the New England Agility Team. Now that her three children are young adults, she channels her energy into dog sports—actively competing in both agility and dock diving.

Class of ’26

Ellie is a Recovery Friendly Advisor with the New Hampshire Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, administered by Granite United Way. Before she joined Recovery Friendly Workplace in January 2024, Ellie held roles in criminal justice reform, restorative justice, community engagement, and social change communications. In this role, Ellie supports workplaces across the state of New Hampshire by sharing the resources and guidance they need to foster an environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery. Ellie shares information and education about substance use disorder and recovery, connects employers to NH’s public health system, and provides guidance on policy support and workforce development.

Ellie also teaches yoga in the Seacoast and volunteers with the Affirming Spaces Project, training businesses in New Hampshire on creating spaces that are welcoming to people of all genders. She lives in Dover with her partner and their 3-year-old yellow lab, Otis.

Class of ’26

Oh gosh, I hate writing these things… Anyway, I am originally from Malden, Massachusetts, where I lived until 1999 when I married my wife, Dawn, and moved to New Hampshire, and we have two children, 23 and 16. I spent 15 years in the commercial/industrial electrical field before making the switch to aviation in 2005 and I now consider myself fortunate to work in one of the finest career fields available. Interestingly, I think my time in another industry has been very beneficial to my career in aviation as I bring a different perspective into an industry that most propeller heads have spent their entire lives in.

Class of ’26

Sean is the retail branch manager at M&T Bank in Portsmouth. He leads a team to meet business goals and support local people in their personal and small business banking needs.

Sean grew up in a family business, where his parents owned and operated an inn, a B&B, and several restaurants in the White Mountains and Lakes region. After studying at the University of New Hampshire, he trained as a chef in the thriving Portsmouth restaurant scene and has enjoyed the Seacoast ever since.

Serving the business, his team and his community gets Sean out of bed in the morning. He’s managed large teams in restaurants, retail stores, non-profit organizations and bank branches. As a branch manager, he meets business goals, platforms the careers of his team and supports the financial wellness of his customers, their families and their businesses. He provides financial literacy education to the community and aids the growth of local non-profits and small businesses.

Sean currently supports Gather, Seacoast Outright, and MainSpring. He serves on the board of Rising Tides, a non-profit that provides mental health care to students in Seabrook Public Schools.

He is an enthusiastic vegetable gardener, a voracious reader and a trivia master. With his wife, Ann Marie, and their five young adult children, he carries on the family tradition of hospitality as the host of large gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and just about any other day that can be celebrated.

Class of ’26

My name is David McMahon and I am the Branch & Business Development Manager for MVSB in Portsmouth.

I am originally from Southern Massachusetts, but moved to New Hampshire at a young age when my parents bought a country store in Alton. I guess you could say I’ve been in customer service since I was 10 years old. After living in the Lakes Region for much my life, I relocated to the Seacoast about 7 years ago. It has always been an area that is close to my heart, and when I had the opportunity to work/live here, I jumped at the chance.

I have been in banking for over a decade and pride myself on providing a great customer experience while supporting the local community in whatever capacity I can. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of an organization that cares deeply and strives to make a positive impact for the communities we serve. I am always looking for ways to help make the Seacoast a better place, so Leadership seemed like a perfect match.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Lindsey, and our dog, Walter. You can regularly find me on a disc golf course, taking in some live music, or out enjoying a local hike.

Class of ’26

Drawing on a Master’s in Pedagogy from NLA University College and a Bachelor of Arts from College of the Holy Cross, I have built a career centered on community and development. As the co-founder of Kids in the Woods, I championed the Scandinavian “friluftsliv” philosophy, creating outdoor learning programs that strengthened community bonds.

Today, I serve as the Development & Communications Manager at HAVEN, New Hampshire’s largest violence prevention and support services agency. My work involves strategic development and powerful marketing campaigns to expand crucial services and prevention education for those affected by domestic and sexual violence. This role allows me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, advancing a mission rooted in care and prevention. My background in early education and commitment to fostering positive community growth provide a unique perspective on violence prevention, emphasizing foundational well-being and education.

Class of ’26

Josie has been involved with community organizing for a decade, primarily around reproductive and healthcare justice. She is a Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire, an organization that provides financial, emotional, and logistical support to anyone in New Hampshire in need of abortion services or gender-affirming care. She also recently served as Adjunct Professor of Reproductive Justice at the University of New Hampshire for three years. They received their Master of Public Health degree from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice in June of 2023. They also hold a bachelor’s degree in public health, Women/Gender/Sexuality Studies, and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice from UMass Amherst. Josie has previously worked as the Political Director of an organization committed to engaging young people in politics, as a Health Worker at an independent reproductive health clinic, and as an organizer with Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund. She is also trained as a full-spectrum doula, which has allowed her to support pregnant people across all different pregnancy outcomes, and she runs a local Queer Conception group through the organization LezHang Seacoast. They live with their spouse and two cats in Dover.

Class of ’26

I’m a communications and community engagement professional who is passionate about making a positive impact in my community. Currently employed by the Monarch School of New England as the Community Engagement & Marketing Assistant, I help share the school’s mission, build relationships, and create opportunities for connection and support.
My professional background includes work in both nonprofit and agency settings, with experience at organizations such as the National MS Society and American Cancer Society. I also collaborate with local nonprofits and volunteer with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, supporting awareness and fundraising efforts close to my heart.

At my core, I strive to be a helper – someone who shows up, listens, and supports others however I can.

I currently live in Portsmouth and enjoy exploring the coast and hosting friends and family to share all that the Seacoast has to offer. I look forward to learning from others, gaining a deeper understanding of the region, and contributing in meaningful ways.

Class of ’26

Jennifer is a strategic communications consultant with over 30 years of experience in helping organizations tell their stories, build trust, and connect with the audiences that matter most. Her work spans public relations strategy, content development, executive communications, and community engagement. Jennifer regularly partners with clients across risk management, healthcare, and property preparedness and restoration sectors to create and implement integrated communications programs that support organizational goals.

Jennifer is a former member of the East Kingston, NH School Board, where she served two terms as chair. She currently serves on the board of the Yankee Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, where she also serves as co-chair of the organization’s Professional Development Committee – helping to build networks and provide continuing education opportunities for communications professionals across New England.

Community engagement has been a guiding thread throughout Jennifer’s life. Through her experience as a former military spouse, she learned the importance of building connections and contributing locally – a value that continues to shape both her professional work and volunteer service. A 12-year Seacoast resident, Jennifer lives in East Kingston, NH, with her husband and teenage daughter.

Class of ’26

Cassie is an associate attorney with Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, where she practices in the Business Litigation group. Admitted to practice in the State of New Hampshire, State of Maine and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, her practice focuses on business litigation in both federal and state court.

Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Cassie served as a judicial intern at the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and as a legal extern with the Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute and the Portsmouth Prosecutor’s Office.

Cassie grew up in Marblehead, Massachusetts. She graduated from Colby College with a major in Government, followed by earning her J.D. from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law as a member of the Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program and Editor‑in‑Chief of the UNH Law Review. Cassie lives in Kennebunk, Maine with her wife and labradoodle, Gus! When not working, Cassie takes any excuse to get outside—hiking, biking, or reading the latest page-turner on Ossipee lake!

Class of ’26

Michelle is the Manager of the Project Management Office at FedPoint. In this role, she uses her communication, organization and love of process to deliver valuable project outcomes and innovation in PMO standards.

Prior to working for FedPoint, Michelle worked in Development and Data Management, Revenue Operations, Salesforce Implementations and Strategic Partner Management, working for Starwood Hotels and Amadeus. She is also the founder of Roycroft Technology Partners, working with both private and non-profit organizations to implement projects, processes and systems.

Michelle has a B.S. in Hospitality Administration from Boston University and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Suffolk University.

When not working, Michelle can be found attending sporting events with her husband cheering on their two children, walking the family dog, Lucille, or enjoying a yoga class at the Yoga Parlor in her hometown of Hampton, NH

Class of ’26

Tina is the Development and Senior Project Manager for My Breast Cancer Support, a local nonprofit organization that provides support to breast cancer patients on the seacoast of New Hampshire and in southern Maine. Tina is responsible for community outreach, fundraising and grant-writing, day-to-day operations, event planning, and organization growth. Tina also has 20+ years’ experience working as a Project and Program Manager in the corporate sector with a focus on Information Technology. She has maintained her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification since 2001.

Tina grew up in Millinocket, Maine, and has also lived in Georgia, Hawaii, and Florida, but feels most at home in New Hampshire. Tina lives on the seacoast with her husband and is grateful that her daughter lives and works nearby in Maine and her son is an undergrad at the University of New Hampshire.

Class of ’26

Jack is a fundraising consultant who partners with nonprofits and social causes to expand their impact by building sustainable development programs. As an Assistant Vice President at CCS Fundraising, Jack has helped raise more than $15 million for mission-driven organizations since relocating to the Seacoast in 2022.

Prior to CCS, Jack developed fundraising strategies for political candidates and committees in California, Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Washington. Whether working with nonprofits or in politics, Jack unites stakeholders and aligns resources to advance mission-driven goals.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Port City Makerspace and Meals on Wheels of Rockingham County. He is also an Executive Board Member of the National Warplane Museum in upstate New York.

Originally from Illinois, Jack earned his B.A. in Government and Economics from Claremont McKenna College in California. He now lives in Portsmouth with his girlfriend and their 17-pound cat. Outside his professional and volunteer work, Jack can be found woodworking at Port City Makerspace, spending time outdoors, or practicing yoga.

Class of ’26

Paul graduated from Bentley College with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Finance. He spent the first ten years of his career working at major Wall Street firms. In 2006 he opened Granite Bay Wealth Management after realizing that independence was the only way to truly offer what was best for his clients.

Paul obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 1999. He has successfully completed level one of the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA®) exam. He also received his Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®) designation through the Academy of CPM and New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2022.

Paul currently serves as a Selectman for the Town of Greenland, NH. He has served as an elected member of the MSAD 35 School Board, Chairman of the South Berwick Sewer District, and a board member of Marshwood Youth Baseball. He spends his free time coaching baseball and soccer, cooking, traveling, golfing, running, and playing guitar. Paul lives in Greenland, NH with his partner Colleen and her daughter Annabelle and has two grown sons: Trevor, who works as a financial advisor for Granite Bay, and Chase, who is attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Class of ’26

Eleni is an Experience Strategist and Service Designer leading and designing end-to-end customer experiences, with a focus on where design meets business. She takes a holistic perspective to her work, focused on humanizing the user experience while understanding the context of the systems and structures we design within.

Her experience lies in the design process, managing projects and teams and being a direct contributor to the work. She has experience working as a consultant and in-house as a design strategist supporting member experiences in the healthcare space.

Her industry experience spans healthcare, higher education, finance, consumer goods, travel and non-profit organizations, among others.

When she’s not in front of a computer, she likes to play with mud, making ceramics or using paper and pen to sketch and draw, and of course, spend time with her family—not necessarily in that order. 🙂

Class of ’26

Amy is the Membership Director at New Hampshire Public Radio. Amy has been involved in fundraising for multiple New Hampshire nonprofits for over a decade, working with organizations like Strawbery Banke Museum, 3S Artspace, Rain for the Sahel and Sahara, New Hampshire PBS, and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. In her current role at NHPR, Amy works to raise funds for local journalism to keep public media accessible to everyone in New Hampshire.

Amy also currently serves as the Vice Board Chair for the Woodman Museum in Dover and as a member of the Dover Arts Commission. Helping both of these organizations fundraise to support arts and culture in the city of Dover, where she resides with her family. It has been a professional and personal goal of Amy’s to make an impact in her community since becoming involved in nonprofit work. She believes that we all have a responsibility to try and make a difference in whatever way we can.

Class of ’26

Carl is the new Deputy City Manager for the City of Portsmouth and serves as a key strategist in shaping the future of municipal service delivery in Portsmouth and championing innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and Community Development, a Master of Arts in Public Policy, a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications, and graduated from Seth Godin’s altMBA program where he also served as a global coach for two years.

Before Portsmouth, he served as an administrator for numerous towns in New Hampshire, and most recently spent 18 years at a public risk pool where he served as Director of Member Services and Director of Technology Services. His tenure was marked by transformative projects, including the development of member interfaces and websites, the elimination of legacy systems, and the implementation of paperless workflows and hybrid work environments, all of which aimed at increasing efficiency and quality of service.

Carl is known for taking long drives on the weekend to find interesting places to eat with his wife, Amanda, and enjoys being greeted loudly each morning by their two cats, Tofu and Peach.

Once upon a time, he was a search and rescue swimmer for the US Navy.

Class of ’26

Susan is a Newfields, NH native, where she resides with her husband, Chris, and their two sons, Oliver and Maxwell. Her mom, Louisa, lives right next door. Family is at the heart of everything she does. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she developed a strong work ethic and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Her whole family shows up for community events and volunteering.

She is the founder and owner of CLEAN by the Sea, LLC, a leading green commercial cleaning company serving the Seacoast region. Now celebrating its 20th year in operation, the company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and creating healthier workspaces for its staff and clients.

In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Susan currently serves as the Director of Development and Operations at Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides support to local families struggling financially through disease, illness or disability. Her personal experience with chronically ill family members fuels her dedication to this mission, making the role both professionally and personally fulfilling.

An active leader in the business and nonprofit communities, Susan holds numerous leadership roles in regional organizations. She was named BNI Regional Member of the Year in 2024, earned the Annie’s Angels Founders Award in 2023, and received the EACC Business of the Year in 2019. She has served as an Ambassador for the EACC for over a decade and currently sits on the Board of Directors for FRCAA and Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund.

Susan brings over two decades of leadership experience across the business and nonprofit sectors, united by a common thread: a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and her community.