NHMB announced the election of nine new Corporators, confirmed by vote at NHMB’s Annual Meeting.
Elected by their peers, the new Corporators reflect NHMB’s commitment to strong community leadership and diverse professional expertise:
- Beth Daniels of Keene serves as CEO of Southwestern Community Services. A 25-year veteran of the organization, she has helped expand essential support across Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, including WIC, Head Start and affordable housing initiatives.
- Rob Dapice of Contoocook is the Executive Director and CEO of New Hampshire Housing. He led high-impact COVID-19 response efforts, including the Shelter Modification Program and the Emergency Assistance Loan Fund, helping strengthen housing stability for residents statewide.
- Deirdre Fitzgerald of Antrim is Executive Communications Manager at W.S. Badger, the New Hampshire maker of natural personal care products known for its deep community engagement. She helps shape the company’s voice and outreach; W.S. Badger was recognized by Forbes in 2017.
- Andrew Keefer of Holderness has been with Raytheon since 2010 and serves as Associate Director of Operations Finance. In this role, he provides financial leadership across multiple operational areas, helping guide performance, planning and decision-making.
- Christopher McKay of Wakefield is a partner at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, advising businesses and organizations on accounting and tax strategy. His practice includes multi-state tax matters and specialized work with nonprofit organizations.
- Jeff Murphy of Keene is owner of Brewbakers Café and Terra Nova Organic Coffee Roasters. A committed community leader, he has served the region through a range of volunteer and leadership roles, including service on the Keene Family YMCA Board.
- Barbara Pelkey of Laconia is an Accounting and Marketing Executive at Atlas Fireworks, where she has helped support the family business’ growth and international reach. She is also an elite figure skater and coach.
- Chris Weiss of Eaton, a Summa Cum Laude graduate, rose to become President of Crest Auto World. He is recognized as one of the youngest dealers in the U.S. to represent multiple major automotive brands.
- Jeff Whitcomb of Keene is President of Communicators Group. He is actively involved with the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce and supports local youth sports as a coach.
“We’re grateful to welcome this accomplished group of community leaders as NHMB Corporators,” said Gregg Tewksbury. “Their experience and perspectives will help guide our mutual mission and ensure we continue meeting the needs of the communities we serve.”
Tewksbury also recognized departing NHMB Trustee and past Chairman—and Meredith Village Savings Bank Director—Maurice Lafreniere for his almost four decades of dedicated service to our organizations. Lafreniere will continue to support NHMB as a Corporator. In addition, NHMB thanked guest presenter Kristy Merrill, President & CEO of the New Hampshire Bankers Association, for sharing perspectives on the role community banking plays across New Hampshire.
Corporators play a vital governance role at New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp and its affiliated companies—Meredith Village Savings Bank, Merrimack County Savings Bank, NHTrust and Savings Bank of Walpole. Among their key responsibilities, Corporators elect highly qualified members to NHMB’s Board of Trustees and vote on bylaw changes brought before them. Corporators also serve as community representatives, sharing feedback and first-hand perspectives to help ensure the organization remains aligned with local needs and the quality of service delivered.