The Latest: Week of December 19, 2025

The Latest is a roundup of the comings and goings of the movers and shakers in NH's business community

HEALTH CARE

Concord Hospital Health System’s Andrea Fitzgerald, APRN, has been named the 2025 Nurse Practitioner of the Year by the New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association. The award honors nurse practitioners who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassion and leadership in advancing the role of advanced practice nursing in New Hampshire. Fitzgerald, who practices at Family Tree Health Care in Hopkinton, was recognized for her commitment to patient care, exceptional diagnostic skill and collaborative approach with colleagues and patients alike.

Federal benefits administrator and marketplace operator FedPoint received Cornerstone VNA’s annual Cornerstone Award in recognition of its partnership and dedication to advancing Cornerstone’s mission of providing trusted, compassionate and expert health care. Cornerstone celebrated FedPoint for its financial support in acquiring essential equipment, such as mobile centrifuge units, and making significant technology upgrades, as well as partnering in various fundraising initiatives.

Lakes Region Mental Health Center (LRMHC) welcomed four new members to its board of directors: the Honorable Judge Jim Carroll, who serves as a judicial referee for the NH Judicial Branch; Derek Gray, a Sergeant with the Belmont Police Department and prosecutor for Belmont and Gilmanton; Diana Lacey, who supervises volunteer advocates at CASA and previously spent 35+ years at NH DHHS in behavioral health, child welfare, Medicaid and public assistance; and Janet Reidy, who serves as student and volunteer services coordinator at Speare Memorial Hospital.

Southern New Hampshire Health has promoted Rebecca Cooper-Piela, MS, APRN-BC, CHCQM, to senior vice president and chief quality officer, overseeing quality, accreditation, regulatory and population health programs. Additionally, she will oversee initiatives that drive value-based care and population health across Southern NH Medical Center and Foundation Medical Partners.

Concord Hospital – Laconia (CHL) has been officially designated a Primary Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare. In September, the hospital underwent a comprehensive DNV Stroke survey to be evaluated for the Primary Stroke Center criteria and successfully passed. In addition, CHL earned multiple recognitions from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program, including Gold Recognition for Rural Stroke Care, Silver Plus for Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

LAW

The law firm of McLane Middleton has welcomed attorney Sarah E. McLaughlin to the firm’s Litigation Department. She initially joined the firm in 2024 as a summer associate, and received her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 2025.

Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., welcomed attorney Murtaza Akhtar to the firm’s Lebanon office, attorney Sierra Jamros to the firm’s Nashua office, and attorney Zach Kuster to the firm’s Concord office. Jamros and Kuster are currently admitted to practice in Massachusetts and New York, respectively. Both have pending New Hampshire Bar applications; Akhtar was recently sworn in as a member of the New Hampshire Bar.

Seven McLane Middleton attorneys were included in Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers of 2025: Jesse S. Angeley, Cristina Coletta Blau, John D. Colucci, Shiva Karimi, Kimberly A. Kramer, Joel B. Sherman and John F. Weaver.

HOSPITALITY

The Friendly Toast recently named Shawn Utke as its new CEO. He most recently served as CEO and senior advisor of Tatte Bakery & Café, located in Greater Boston and D.C. areas, and also served as senior vice president of on-premises channel and digital commerce for Panera Bread.

The Sullivan Country Store announced an upcoming customer capital campaign with NuMarket to make it easier for contributors to understand the benefits of supporting local businesses. Campaign benefits include: 120% return in store credit for contributors; support through slower winter months, helping the business remain steady; reduced fees, saving approximately 50% compared to traditional loans; and new contributor perks, including membership options.

The Nash Casino presented $2.9 million in contributions to 18 New Hampshire nonprofits on November 25, 2025, accumulated from the combined revenues generated by games of chance, historical horse racing machines and video lottery terminals during the months of September and October.

Nonprofit recipients included Friends of Aine, NH Prostate Cancer Coalition, Girls Inc., Holiday Cards 4 Our Military, Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, Angels of Addictions, Pelham Police Relief Association, Animal Rescue League of NH, among others.

The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball brand, announced that its Seabrook, NH, club is set to open in March 2026. The 25,000-square-foot facility will feature nine world-class indoor courts, including one championship-sized court. Members will also enjoy a full-service pro shop, warm-up area featuring TRX, private event spaces, grab-and-go refreshments, and AI training and rating programs. The franchisees of the new location are NH residents Jody and Drew Rodgers.

Ledge Brewing Company, a local craft brewery in Intervale, has been acquired by Matthew (Matty) Burkett, longtime bartender and general manager. The change in ownership marks a new chapter for the company as it prepares to expand its offerings, enhance the taproom experience and strengthen its role in the local outdoor community. The brewery’s current staff will remain in place, including head brewer Jake LeFeuvre, who joined the team this past spring.

CONSTRUCTION

Nominations are now open for the 30th annual New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award, which celebrates the leaders who set the bar for integrity in the state’s construction industry. Along with a plaque, the recipient will also receive a $2,000 donation made in their name to the charity of their choice. Nominations are being accepted now through January 16. Visit plannh.org to learn more.

Engelberth Construction recently welcomed Susie Brooks as its new director of business development, responsible for visiting job sites, gaining insight into the company’s operations, and contributing to how the firm manages leads, projects and client relationships.

Jackson Lumber & Millwork’s Michael Curran has been named a Legend of the Industry by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts. The award recognizes Curran’s more than 44 years of leadership and service to the building materials and remodeling industry. His began his career with Merrimack Valley Wood Products before joining Jackson Lumber & Millwork in 2010 when the company acquired the business.

Hancock Lumber recently welcomed Tim Bonenfant as the newest general manager of its Saco, Maine, operations. He brings 23-plus years of retail management experience to Hancock, having led teams at both Walmart and Home Depot for over a decade each.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Camden National Bank announced the recipients of its 2025 Leaders & Luminaries Awards, recognizing nonprofit board members who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their communities: Kate Borduas, board president, Scarborough Public Library; Don House, president emeritus, Belknap House; Jordan Stanwood, board president, Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center; Kristin Valdmanis, board member, Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine; and Annie Watson, board member, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Recipients were awarded a total of $29,000 in unrestricted funding to the organizations they serve. Beth Ann Barrett, board chair of The Friendly Kitchen, and Penny Kittle, founder of the Book Love Foundation, also received Spotlight Awards.

Brent Rich has joined Ledyard Bank as vice president and financial center manager at the West Lebanon location. He most recently served as branch manager for M&T Bank in Windsor, Vt., and also held business development and municipal services roles at Mascoma Bank. In addition, the Bank also welcomed Mike Cleland as a senior vice president and commercial relationship manager. He was previously a vice president and commercial loan officer at Merrimack County Savings Bank, and also held management and portfolio relationship roles during his nine-year tenure at Citizens.

Ledyard Bank has been recognized as one of the 2025 Best Banks to Work For, awarded by American Banker and the Best Companies Group. The recognition is based on anonymous employee surveys and an evaluation of the bank’s culture and benefits.

Franklin Savings Bank has promoted Jon Jones to senior vice president, senior loan officer. He has been with the Bank since 2001, holding various roles such as credit analyst, commercial loan portfolio manager, commercial loan officer, among others.

Bank of America is donating $5 million to support families and individuals experiencing urgent food needs through 100 nonprofits that address these needs. Additionally, the Bank is committing $250 million over the next five years to support food insecurity across American communities. Employees of Bank of America plan to volunteer more than 100,000 hours between now and the end of the year to assist organizations focused on hunger relief and other critical services. Bank of America also will match employee contributions to organizations focused on combatting hunger in the communities it serves.

Bank of New Hampshire welcomed Anna Schleich as VP, business development officer, for its commercial banking team. Most recently, she served as VP, branch relationship manager, at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and also held leadership roles at M&T Bank, TD Bank and Citizens. She will be based out of the Rochester branch located at 301 North Main Street.

ARTS & CULTURE

The New Hampshire Dance Collaborative (NHDC) has selected Ellen Smith Ahern as its newest fellow in the NH Dance Accelerator program. Launched in early 2022, the accelerator program was formed to rapidly accelerate the growth and sustainability of New Hampshire-based dance companies and solo artists.

ENERGY

On November 24, Cedarcrest, a specialized pediatric medical facility and school dedicated to serving children with complex medical and developmental needs, celebrated the installation of a 333-kilowatt ground mounted solar array at their center in Keene. Staff were joined by State Senator Donovan Fenton, local officials and representatives from the project’s construction partner, ReVision Energy. The 560-panel solar project is projected to generate 383,912 kilowatt hours of clean energy annually, offsetting approximately 376,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually.

The U.S. Department of Labor has once again awarded Eversource Energy with the HIRE Vets Medallion Award for 2025. As the only federal level program recognizing achievements in veteran hiring, this award is a testament to Eversource’s support for veterans in the workplace and efforts to advance their professional development by building on the unique skills they acquired through their military service.

NONPROFITS

Allen Aldenberg, chief military and veterans services officer of Easterseals NH & VT, will be transitioning from his role helping to get the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus up and running. Aldenberg will stay on the Franklin team to help facilitate a leadership transition. Phase II of the campus project, including an equine and therapeutic recreation facility and an aquatics and fitness center, will unfold dependent on additional funding.

First Seacoast Bank successfully completed its October community initiative, raising $5,000 for Pope Memorial Humane Society – Cocheco Valley. The donation will help fund medical care, shelter needs and adoption services for animals in need.

Merrimack County Savings Bank has pledged $10,000 towards the Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program, which provides urgent repairs to low-income homeowners, including seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funds were garnered through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.

Franklin Savings Bank recently granted $5,000 to Belknap House to support Phase Three of the yard improvement plan at its second location on Pine Street in Laconia. The grant will be used to secure the backyard area so that families have a safer spot to meet and spend time together outside, which will complement the health and wellness portion of the organization’s mission.

Chris MacBean appointed to NH Retirement System

Chris MacBean, partner and chief planning officer for financial planning and wealth management firm Harbor Group, has been appointed by Governor Kelly Ayotte to the New Hampshire Retirement System’s Independent Investment Committee (IIC). In this role, MacBean will contribute to the oversight and evaluation of fund managers and support the implementation of asset allocation strategies for the state’s retirement system. He brings extensive experience in managing investment strategy and financial planning to the non-partisan committee, having served as trustee of the trust funds for the Town of Hollis and as a board member of the Hollis Montessori School.

Please send items for possible publication in The Latest to AANDREWS@NHBR.COM Include a color photo if available.