The Latest: Week of March 27, 2026

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

4 hours ago

Amanda Andrews,

REAL ESTATE

Portside Real Estate Group recently named new agents to its 2026 Portside Mentor Program, which connects newly licensed agents with mentors who are actively leading the markets they serve, providing one-on-one coaching, live transaction support and practical skill-building designed to give them a strong foundation for long-term success in real estate. The 2026 mentorship class includes agents Alec Beveridge, mentored by Brent Sawyer; Alyssa Parker, mentored by Julie Rosenthal; Lindsay Diaz, mentored by Susie Kendeigh; K Willett, mentored by Colleen Maguire; and Susan Morris, mentored by Erin Oldham.

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty announced that real estate professional Bob Matheson has joined the firm, bringing more than 25 years of experience in residential and commercial sales, resort development and client representation to the role. He will work alongside his wife, Linda Matheson, a longtime member of the firm.

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty announced recently that Kate Frisk, a licensed New Hampshire real estate professional based in the firm’s Gorham office, has earned her Maine real estate license. The added licensure enhances Frisk’s ability to serve buyers and sellers seeking flexible options across the Western Maine and Northern New Hampshire regions.

MANUFACTURING

Electronic Imaging Materials, Inc. — a Keene-based label manufacturer serving industrial, warehouse and laboratory clients — has added two new members to its team: Melinda Garland has joined as marketing manager, and Erin Temmen is a new sales manager. Garland most recently served as executive director of marketing and digital strategy for Antioch University, and Temmen was previously an account manager at another organization.

Alene Candles, a full-service contract and private-label candle and home fragrance manufacturer, welcomed Martin Avila as chief operating officer, charged with overseeing manufacturing operations across Alene’s facilities in Ohio and New Hampshire. An experienced global business operations executive, Avila has held roles at several Fortune 500 companies across industries, including automotive, electronics, metal-mechanics, green energy, automation, capital equipment and consumer goods.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Bank of New Hampshire has promoted Melissa Skeats to VP, director of loan administration and operations, and Morgan Herring to retail operations officer. Skeats initially joined the Bank in 2011 as a lending assistant, and Herring began her career at the Bank in 2018 as a bank services rep in the Rochester office.

Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) was named Leading Rural Lender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) New Hampshire District Office, in recognition of its commitment to expanding access to capital for small businesses across New Hampshire. In the past year, 92% of MVSB’s SBA lending supported businesses in rural communities, reinforcing the Bank’s mission to strengthen local economies and help businesses grow.

Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) will host free in-person seminars in April and May to help individuals navigate the home construction loan process. Attendees will gain insight from MVSB’s construction loan specialists on financing options, budgeting strategies and ways to stay ahead of potential challenges. As an added benefit, those who attend will be eligible for a $500 closing cost credit from MVSB (conditions apply). Seminars will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 14, 16 and 22, May 6 and May 12. Locations vary. Visit mvsb.com/class to learn more and register.

Holy Rosary Credit Union has announced that president and CEO Brian Hughes will retire on December 31, 2026, after more than a 45-year career in financial services and 22 years of leadership at the Rochester, NH-based credit union. The HRCU board of directors has retained the executive search firm Smith & Wilkinson to conduct a nationwide search for the credit union’s next president and CEO. A successor is expected to be announced later in 2026.

Machias Savings Bank recently welcomed two new leaders to its Manchester location: Andrew Patton joins as VP, commercial banking, and Jamie Brewer as senior vice president and New Hampshire regional market manager. Each have 15 years and 20 years of experience, respectively, working in banking and the financial services industry, both occupying leadership roles in various capacities.

In support of the NH Community Loan Fund and its efforts to help families become homeowners, Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) has pledged $25,000 in tax credits through the Community Development Finance Authority to assist low- and moderate-income families to purchase new, affordable, energy-efficient manufactured homes.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

The NH Fiscal Policy Institute (NHFPI) has hired Dow Drukker and Ben Reynolds as senior policy analysts and also promoted Jessica Williams to senior policy analyst. In their roles, they will conduct research and analysis on key issues affecting New Hampshire residents, including economic opportunity, health and well-being, education and the State Budget. Their work will contribute to NHFPI’s mission of providing nonpartisan, evidence-based research that helps policymakers, community leaders and residents better understand the economic and policy choices facing New Hampshire.

Bartlett Tree Experts, the family-owned business specializing in scientific tree and shrub care, has expanded its presence in southern New Hampshire with the acquisition of Lee Gilman & Associates. Gilman’s team of certified arborists will join Bartlett’s existing office in Hooksett. Clients can expect to continue working with experienced arborists and its expanded plant health care programs, receiving access to advanced diagnostic services and the scientific resources of the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, which marks its 100th anniversary this year.

HEALTH CARE

Dr. Michelle L. Ciarlo will now provide surgical services at Concord Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology – Laconia, responding directly to community feedback requesting a female surgeon in the Lakes Region. Previously, surgical services in Laconia were supported by one male surgeon, with additional Concord-based surgeons rotating through the practice. In addition, Concord Hospital has successfully introduced robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery in Laconia. Dr. Heidi Hallonquist and Dr. Courtney Jones will continue traveling to Laconia to perform robotic procedures, ensuring patients benefit from advanced minimally invasive surgical options locally.

Concord Hospital (CH) recently honored vascular surgeon Samuel C. Aldridge, MD, as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Samuel Somers Award for his high level of patient care, professionalism and dedication.

Sixty-nine physicians from Concord Hospital Medical Group (CHMG) have been recognized as 2025 Top Doctors by New Hampshire Magazine, awarded in partnership with national health care research firm Castle Connolly. For the 2025 Top Doctors poll, New Hampshire Magazine selected Castle Connolly to conduct the survey and evaluation process. The final list includes 650 physicians statewide, nominated by their peers and representing a wide range of specialties.

On March 4, Governor Kelly Ayotte and members of the New Hampshire Executive Council recognized four individuals from Harbor Care and the VA Manchester Healthcare System for their contributions to ending veteran homelessness in Manchester: Henry Och, president/CEO, Harbor Care; Katie Tover Paciulan, director of veteran services, Harbor Care; Emily Reisine, homeless outreach coordinator, VA Manchester Healthcare System; and Nicole Frisella, coordinated entry specialist, VA Manchester Healthcare System.

Monadnock Peer Support has appointed Melissa Callender as acting executive director. She most recently served as the agency’s director of mission impact and has years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement and peer support services.

Mara Michno has joined White Horse Recovery as clinical administrator, bringing to the role more than 10 years of nonprofit experience, including over a decade at Kingswood Youth Center, where she helped develop prevention programs focused on youth mental health. She also served as an educator at an alternative high school in Alaska, specializing in credit recovery programs for at-risk students. She also plans to pursue certification as a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW), following the example of other employees who have advanced their credentials while working at White Horse.

AGRICULTURE

Businesses, organizations and sponsors connected to agriculture, forestry, conservation, gardening, homesteading and rural living are invited to become an exhibitor in the New Hampshire Farm, Forest & Garden Expo, taking place May 1 to May 2 at the Deerfield Fairgrounds. The Expo offers a unique opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors to connect directly with an engaged audience of landowners, growers, makers, families and outdoor enthusiasts who are seeking tools, services, education and resources they can use in real life. To learn more and sign up, visit nhfarmandforestexpo.org.

ENGINEERING

PROCON, a design-build firm serving New England, announced six leadership promotions: Mike Lawrence, AIA, NCARB, has been promoted to VP, architecture and engineering; Justin Zeimetz has been promoted to VP of preconstruction; Kent Beirne, AIA, has been promoted to SVP, architecture and engineering; Christopher Lizotte, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, has been promoted to SVP, architecture and engineering; Ben Saturley has been promoted to SVP of field operations; and Tracey Pelton has been promoted to SVP of marketing and corporate affairs.

NONPROFITS

Avesta Housing, the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in New England, has hired John Egan to be its new director of development, leading Avesta’s real estate development team and in developing and preserving affordable rental housing in Maine and New Hampshire.

NH LAKES, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving the health of New Hampshire’s lakes, has appointed Peter Alpert to its board of directors. A retired New York attorney, Alpert brings decades of legal, governance and nonprofit leadership experience to the role. During his career, he practiced real estate and commercial law and served on the board of a New York charitable organization that provides housing for adults with disabilities, where he served on the audit and finance committee and chaired the legal committee. Alpert’s connection to New Hampshire began when he spent summers at his family’s vacation home on Webster Lake in Franklin. In 2004, he and his family purchased a vacation home on Wakondah Pond in Moultonborough, where they enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing.

RETAIL

On March 12, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) opens its newest, 12,000-square-foot NH Liquor & Wine Outlet located at 1100 Bicentennial Drive in Manchester. As the third Outlet in Manchester, it offers more than 4,000 wines and spirits in a wide range of brands.

ENERGY

Voters in the towns of Bristol and Rye approved the adoption of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACER) District on Town Meeting Day. C-PACER is a new voluntary financing option that enables commercial property owners to invest in the profitability and comfort of their buildings, and help finance the construction of new commercial properties when they are approved by the town. The program is administered statewide by the NH Business Finance Authority, which provides a streamlined framework that reduces administrative burdens on municipalities while maintaining local control and operates at no cost to taxpayers.

Dartmouth Health appoints new CFO for DHMC and clinics

Dartmouth Health has named Tamara Rockwell as the new chief financial officer for Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics. Rockwell has worked at Dartmouth Health since 2005 and most recently served as vice president of financial planning and analysis at DHMC and Clinics. She stepped into the CFO role on March 1. Rockwell is replacing Wendy Fielding who was appointed CFO of Dartmouth Health in January. Rockwell will oversee finances for DHMC, the system’s flagship academic medical center in Lebanon, and its 14 clinics and outpatient sites around New Hampshire. Rockwell has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., and a master’s degree in health care delivery science from Dartmouth College.