On Thursday, October 2, spend the day in Concord with Leadership New Hampshire and other senior leaders new to the state for an invitation-only exploration of what makes New Hampshire tick, how to thrive here, and how you can help shape the future of the Granite State.

Thanks to our generous corporate partners, Ledyard Bank , Baker Newman Noyes, and Cornerstone Government Affairs, there’s no cost, but spaces are limited. Spouses welcome.

Agenda


Registration and Light Breakfast – New Hampshire Historical Society
Start the day off the New Hampshire way with Common Man breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit salad, breakfast potatoes, coffee, and chilled juices.

Welcome & New Executive Introductions
Will Stewart, Executive Director, Leadership New Hampshire

The Real New Hampshire Advantage: Connection, Culture, & How Things Really Get Done
In New Hampshire, success is rooted in more than the bottom line—it’s built on  relationships, civic engagement, and community leadership. In this lively, cross-sector conversation, seasoned New Hampshire leaders will pull back the curtain on what makes this state so unique and share how to make a lasting impact in a state where everyone—and everything—is more connected than you think.

  • Taylor Caswell, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Business & Economic Affairs
  • Steve Duprey, Owner, The Duprey Companies
  • Kathleen Reardon, ‘07, President & CEO, New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits

Navigating New Hampshire’s Unique Government Landscape
Get an insider’s guide to how things really work in New Hampshire’s famously accessible—but often unconventional—government. From the citizen legislature to decentralized decision-making, you’ll learn how to build relationships, influence policy, and engage effectively with the public sector to advance your organization’s goals.

  • Tom Burack, ‘97, former Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services; Attorney, Sheehan Phinney
  • John Corbett, Senior Advisor, Office of Governor Kelly Ayotte
  • Mike Vlacich, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Break and Walk to New Hampshire State House

Private Tour of the State House

Transportation to Gould Hill Farm

Lunch
After a New Hampshire-themed meal, enjoy a stroll around, and the views from, the Gould Hill Farm apple orchard.

  • Shawn Jasper, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture

Transportation to The Bridges House
On the way back to Concord, we will stop at a covered bridge for a quintessential New Hampshire photo opportunity.

The NH Top 4: Issues You Need to Know
Hear fast, focused insights on the biggest challenges shaping New Hampshire’s future and what they mean for the success of your organization. From workforce shortages and healthcare strains to housing, child care, and demographic shifts, this rapid-fire session will connect the dots between state-level trends and on-the-ground impact for leaders like you.

  • Corinne Benfield, Executive Director, Stay Work Play New Hampshire
  • Rob Dapice, ‘17, Executive Director, New Hampshire Housing
  • Nichole Martin Reimer, ‘25, President & CEO, Granite United Way
  • Mike Skelton, ‘16, President & CEO, NH Business & Industry Association

Break

Leading the New Hampshire Way: Real Stories of Finding Your Voice, Building Relationships, & Making an Impact
There’s no one way to succeed in New Hampshire, but every leader from “away” has a story about figuring it out. In this authentic, story-driven session, a diverse group of New Hampshire leaders share their personal journeys of navigating the state’s unique landscape: building trust, overcoming missteps, adapting to local culture, and ultimately making a difference. These are the behind-the-scenes lessons and hard-earned insights that don’t show up in handbooks, but just might be what you remember most.

  • Borja Alvarez de Toledo, ‘17, President & CEO, Waypoint
  • Yvonne Goldsberry, President, Endowment for Health
  • Tom Raffio, ‘97, President & CEO, Northeast Delta Dental

Cocktail Reception
Unwind with an array New Hampshire beer, wine, and spirits, along with appetizers, while you network with fellow participants, and special guests, including other leaders and officials from across the state.

Transportation back to the New Hampshire Historical Society


Questions? Email LNH Executive Director Will Stewart at will (at) leadershipnh (dot) org.