10 New Hampshire Community Leaders Everyone Should Know About

Community leaders play a vital role in shaping and enriching the great state of New Hampshire. Their dedication and selflessness are paramount as they tirelessly work to give back and drive positive change on a local level and beyond.

Here in New Hampshire, we're lucky to have some remarkable folks whose contributions have left an indelible impact on the lives of those around them. Here are 10 community leaders making a difference in New Hampshire.

1. Barrington: Roger Wood

Roger Wood, an esteemed journalist with five decades of experience in broadcast radio news and public affairs, has been honored with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Hampshire Press Association — the fifth Lifetime Achievement award for InDepthNH.org.

Currently serving as associate publisher and podcast producer at InDepthNH.org, Wood’s career began in a Pennsylvania radio station while studying at Temple University. He has been recognized for his work in news podcasts and broadcast radio news, producing reports for InDepthNH.org, NH Public Radio, NPR and CBS Radio, among others. Wood has also moderated high-level political forums, facilitated public policy discussions and written three novels. (InDepthNH.org)

2. Concord: Laura Maynard

Veteran paralegal Laura Maynard, of the New Hampshire Department of Justice, received the 2022 Paralegal Professionalism Award from the New Hampshire Bar Association. Joining the Attorney General's office in 1988 as a receptionist, she rapidly advanced to become a Legal Assistant in the Civil Bureau, where she served for over 24 years. During this time, she obtained her paralegal studies certificate.

In 2012, Maynard transitioned to the Environmental Protection Bureau, earning accolades for her meticulous work in reviewing pleadings, discovery, court rules and orders, as well as her proactive problem-solving and tech-savvy approach. Maynard’s dedication to enforcing environmental laws earned her the admiration of colleagues, who nominated her for the award. (New Hampshire Department of Justice)

3. Derry: Brían Nguyen

Brían Nguyen secured a historic victory as the first transgender winner of the "Miss Greater Derry 2023" pageant under the Miss America Organization. The 19-year-old’s victory, unprecedented in the organization's 100-year history, is a milestone in transgender representation and has drawn widespread attention, with Nguyen using the platform to advocate for the transgender community.

Beyond the crown, Nguyen's win also came with a scholarship and an official title, offering her an opportunity to further her education while being a role model for her community. The victory also positions her to compete in the Miss New Hampshire Pageant and, potentially, the Miss America Pageant. (ABC 15)

4. Dover: Emily Knight

Dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) Emily Knight received the Excellence in Nursing Award 2023 for her exceptional work in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and Medical Surgical Nursing at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, New Hampshire. With 27 years of experience in PACU nursing, Knight has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by wearing various hats, including educating physicians, working with state legislators and serving as chair on multiple committees.

Known for her leadership and patient advocacy, she has also made notable contributions to pediatrics and to the numerous committees she leads. Beyond her clinical duties, she coordinates WDH's American Heart Association training center and engages in various health initiatives. (New Hampshire Magazine)

5. Exeter: Greg Bisson

Greg Bisson, Exeter's Parks and Recreation Director, was awarded the prestigious "Wink" Tapply Professional Award — hailed as the highest honor in the field — by the New Hampshire Recreation Professional Association.

With over 20 years of service, Bisson is known for his unwavering dedication to the community, advocating for children, families and seniors' recreation opportunities in Exeter. He embodies the spirit of the award's namesake, Wink Tapply, who played a key role in community recreation development. Bisson's exemplary character, professionalism and commitment have made him an essential asset to Exeter, earning him praise from Select Board members and community members alike. (Seacoastonline)

6. Lebanon: Angela Zhang

Angela Zhang, a social worker at LISTEN Community Services, was named Social Worker of the Year by the New Hampshire Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Zhang passionately advocates for underserved populations, doubling LISTEN's reach to over 4,000 people in the region through her leadership. Among other accolades, she co-founded the BIPOC Social Workers of Northern New England, fostering community-building among social workers of color; she is also actively involved in WISE, where she is an after-hours crisis line volunteer and a board member. Zhang's dedication and impact on the community earned her this well-deserved recognition, despite her preference for working behind the scenes. (Valley News)

7. Lee: Sara B. Nadeau

Sara B. Nadeau, an entrepreneur and former officer in the U.S. Air Force Medical Service Corps, was honored as New Hampshire's Small Business Person of the Year, as recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Nadeau founded Carriage Hill Assisted Living in Madbury, a 24-bed facility, in 2015, with her vision and commitment to providing exceptional care for seniors driving her to secure an SBA 504 loan to establish the facility. Her success in creating a compassionate and nurturing environment for elderly residents has not only impacted the local community but also inspired aspiring entrepreneurs. (NH Business Review)

8. Manchester: Paul J. LeBlanc

Southern New Hampshire University’s president and CEO Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc was named Greater Manchester Chamber's 2022 Citizen of the Year for his visionary leadership in education, positive impact on the community and global commitment. Recognized for anticipating students' needs and putting them first, LeBlanc's dedication left an indelible mark on the greater Manchester area.

LeBlanc’s innovative mindset, humility and generosity have made him a role model and a driving force for positive change locally and beyond, due to his focus on global outreach. The award recognized LeBlanc as a role model who positively influences countless others through education and civic pride. (Greater Manchester Chamber)

9. Milford: Christopher Viaud

Christopher Viaud, an accomplished New Hampshire chef, made his mark as a Top Chef contestant in 2021 and earned a James Beard Award nomination in 2022. In 2023, he wowed at the prestigious James Beard Awards in Chicago, serving a Haitian-inspired sampler to culinary stars.

Viaud's restaurants, Ansanm and Greenleaf, showcase his mastery of traditional Haitian cuisine with modern twists and locally-sourced seasonal dishes. Passionate about sharing his heritage, he mentors aspiring chefs and managers, creating a lasting legacy in the culinary world. Viaud's dedication to his craft and building a talented team have earned him accolades and admiration within the industry. (New Hampshire Public Radio)

10. Rye: Gail Snow

Rye's Public Health Officer, Dr. Gail Snow, MD, was honored with the Lifetime of Service Award by the New Hampshire Health Officers Association. With 37 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Rye, Snow has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to local public health and contributed significantly to the community, including advocating for change amid long-term issues and advocating for additional resources, resulting in the appointment of two deputy health officers.

Commended for her thoughtful and professional approach, Dr. Snow's achievements and lifetime of service have left a lasting impact on Rye, making her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. (John Guilfoil Public Relations)

Thank you to New Hampshire’s incredible community leaders for all you do!

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