GMC Announces the Leadership Monadnock Class of 2027

Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Leadership Monadnock Class of 2027 presented by Savings Bank of Walpole. For the next nine months, these 32 community leaders will devote one day each month to immersive learning, civic engagement, and community building that connects and empowers changemakers across the Monadnock Region.

This year’s class includes professionals from a wide spectrum of industries, each committed to fostering community engagement, inclusive leadership, and creating lasting impact within their communities across the Monadnock Region:

· Alex Hibbard Head of Account Strategy for Freitag Marketing
· Amanda Chisolm Development and Outreach Coordinator for Keene Housing Kids Collaborative
· Amanda Cocivera President for Keene Young Professionals Network
· Ashley Hall Financial Advisor for Edward Jones
· Ashley Okola Shelter Manager for Monadnock Humane Society
· Caitlin Blakeslee Front Office Supervisor for Monadnock Community Hospital
· Christy Keefe Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for Peterborough Players
· Clay Dennie Maintenance Aide II for Keene Housing
· Dan Petrone Real Estate Salesperson for eXp Realty/Petrone Real Estate
· Dee Fitzgerald Executive Communications Manager for W.S. Badger Company
· Don Tilley Plant Operations Manager for Corning Inc., Keene
· Erin Allgood Founder/Principal Consultant for Allgood Strategies, LLC
· Jess Sigafose Relationship Banker for M&T Bank
· Jessica Johansson Director of Marketing & Communications for Greater Monadnock Collaborative
· Julia Miramontes Branch Services Manager for Savings Bank of Walpole
· Julia Morgan Director of Planning and Development for Keene Housing
· Justina Patrick Owner of Kona Ice of the Monadnock Region
· Kaitlyn Gonzales Medical Forensic Care Manager for Cheshire Medical Center
· Kate Wasserloos Director of Human Resources for RiverMead
· Kathleen Lamendola Housing Program Manager/Property Management for Southwestern Community Services
· Kim Farris Director of Inpatient Services for Cheshire Medical Center
· Kim Rumrill Executive Director of The Hub 50+ (Keene Senior Center)
· Lisa Bergmann Commercial Lines Segment Leader for Clark-Mortenson/Hilb Group of New England, LLC
· Liz Newcombe Financial Planner for Chartered Financial Services
· Maggie Graul Population Health Epidemiologist and Evaluator for Cheshire Medical Center
· Megan Hillock Director of Voucher Programs for Keene Housing
· Megan Whittle Annual Fund and Membership Manager for The Colonial Theatre
· Nick Phillips Superintendent for Cheshire County Department of Corrections
· Nicole Howe Benefits Administrator for City of Keene
· Ryan Cooley Airport Director for City of Keene - Dillant Hopkins Airport
· Stacey Nachajski Director of Marketing for Bensonwood
· Talee Messenger Public Relations and Community Liaison for Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services

“We are excited for these community leaders to meet, get to know each other, learn together, and to collaborate in a variety of meaningful ways going forward. Their energy, commitment, and innovation are exactly what our communities need as we work toward an even stronger future for the Monadnock Region,” said Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock for Greater Monadnock Collaborative. “We are deeply grateful to each of the organizations investing in their employees’ active participation, as well as the local experts serving as session presenters, and to our sponsors for their support and partnership: Savings Bank of Walpole, Eversource, Mascoma Bank, Cheshire County, Freitag Marketing, Franklin Pierce University, Monadnock Ford, and RiverMead.”

Throughout the program year, participants will engage in experiential learning, collaborative conversations, engaging presentations, and deep dives into critical topics such as economic development, community building, government, mental health, and education.

The Leadership Monadnock network includes over 500 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take on influential roles in municipalities, nonprofits, education, and business—amplifying the ripple effect of this transformative program.

About Leadership Monadnock

Started in 1996, Leadership Monadnock is an intensive nine-month community leadership program, held one day a month, October through June. Each session is designed to immerse participants in the truly critical aspects that drive the dynamic nature of the regional economy and quality of life. Each session is structured to present multiple aspects of a topic through a combination of presentations by experienced professionals and subject matter experts, group discussions, and other experiences. Participants have access to other community leaders who are experts in their respective fields including business, government, education, nonprofits, social services, the arts, and other organizations throughout the region.

For more information about Leadership Monadnock, the Leadership Monadnock Alumni Network, or to sign up to receive notifications on how to apply for the next cohort, visit greatermonadnock.com/leadership-monadnock/or contact Michelle DellaVita at michelle@greatermonadnock.com.