LNH Stories of Leadership

Gary Matteson, LNH Class of '94
I applied for Leadership New Hampshire hoping to learn to be more effective on statewide issues in my field of agriculture. Contact with fellow classmates and the LNH curriculum braodened my perspective: I found that to be successful I had to see the connections to diverse public policy topics. Since graduating, I've had the opportunity to try many different involvements that have been more rewarding, productive, and more just plain fun because LNH showed me the landscape and helped me set goals. It's not just about someone opening doors for you, LNH is all about helping you decide which are the right doors for you, then showing you how to knock for yourself. Isn't that the way NH is supposed to work?

Mary Jo Brown, LNH Class of '03
How else but through Leadership New Hampshire could I have met the Speaker of the House, interviewed a teenage convict, toured a paper mill in Berlin, and contra danced with leading political and business leaders? LNH has not only taught me about our state and some of the great people in it, but the diversity and power of these experiences has inspired me to develop a stronger, louder, clearer voice.

Bill Walker, LNH Class of '02
My classmates were on the cutting edge of social, economic, cultural or academic issues facing the state. Having that level of collective thought available for a whole year was outstanding. The guest speakers and resource materials were of the highest caliber and led to some very serious and thought provoking conversations. My experience in LNH has led to an initiative to look at Leadership Development in Communities of Color. LNH has given me a lasting legacy.

David Corbett, LNH Class of '03
The Old Man of the Mountain tumbled down during my Leadership New Hampshire year. Not a good omen, you might think. However, the week of our "Economic Development" seminar in Berlin, a town devastated in recent years by mill closings, the paper mill reopened. We saw new jobs, a new Heritage Park, and new hope - the product of remarkable local, state and federal leadership. The Old Man is down, but his spirit is alive in New Hampshire leaders.

Clark Dumont, LNH Class of '93
I loved the idea of Leadership New Hampshire from the first time I heard about it. My participation helped me learn about the importance of leadership and stewardship. I was able to stop, to look, to listen and to think about what has made New Hampshire an important and special place for five generations of my family. But most importantly, I learned the importance of making a difference through my work, my colleagues, my friends, my family and our children. Leadership New Hampshire was a great awakening that helped me to renew my focus and commitment to community.

Darlene Stromstad, LNH Class of '96
The friends and relationships I built during Leadership New Hampshire serve me well every day. I am continually working side by side with former LNH classmates in civic organizations and statewide activities. It was directly responsible for my previous job; I worked for a former classmate!