CONCORD, New Hampshire – The New Hampshire Bankers Association, in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, is celebrating the successful completion of its 2026 Leadership Foundations Program, a six-month initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in New Hampshire’s banking industry.

Following the success of the inaugural program in 2025, the Leadership Foundations Program returned this year with 15 emerging leaders from NH Bankers member banks across the state. The program combines leadership development, banking industry education, and experiential learning to help participants prepare for management and higher-level leadership roles.

Throughout the program, participants explored key leadership topics including strategic thinking, communication, leading through change, difficult conversations, and building effective teams. They also gained a deeper understanding of the banking industry through sessions on the economic environment, lending, liquidity management, interest rate risk, and balance sheet management.

The class also participated in the NH Bankers Capitol Day, attended the Emerging Leaders Conference, and took part in a hands-on Banqueworks bank simulation facilitated by Dave Sidon, CPA, President of Navis Partners.

Kristy Merrill, President & CEO of the NH Bankers Association, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with UNH ’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics to invest in the next generation of banking leaders. Strong leadership is essential to the future of our industry, particularly as banking continues to evolve and the demands placed on our organizations continue to grow. This program provides participants with the opportunity to strengthen their skills, build meaningful connections, and gain practical knowledge they can bring back to their banks and communities. We are grateful to our sponsors, instructors, participating banks, and especially this year’s class for making the Leadership Foundations Certificate Program such a valuable experience.”

Jennifer Griffith, Ph.D., Associate Professor with the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, said, “What makes the NH Bankers Leadership Foundations experience unique is its connection to the real-world challenges participants face every day. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership development, the program creates opportunities for participants to apply what they are learning directly to their own experiences and organizations.”

Peter Lane, Ph.D., Professor of Strategy & Strategic Leadership at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, said, “Leadership today requires the ability to navigate constant change. The banking industry, like every industry, is evolving rapidly, and leaders must be prepared to understand change, respond thoughtfully, and help their teams move forward with confidence. Programs like the NH Bankers Leadership Foundations Certificate Program help participants build the practical leadership skills needed to successfully lead through an increasingly complex environment.”

The 2026 Leadership Foundations Class Participants Include:

• Lisa Byars, Bank of New Hampshire – VP/Human Resources Officer
• Beth Lyons, Bank of New Hampshire – VP/Banking Office Manager
• Peter Maheu, Bank of New Hampshire – AVP/Banking Office Manager
• Nicole Bunker, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust – Customer Service Team Leader
• Carolyn Hudson, First Seacoast Bank – PT Customer Service Representative
• Tammie Cilley, First Seacoast Bank – Assistant Branch Manager
• James Yates, Franklin Savings Bank – Personal Banker
• Sarah Powell, Ledyard National Bank – VP/Mortgage Loan Officer
• Luis Colon, Merrimack County Savings Bank – Branch Services Supervisor
• Stephanie Burnor, Merrimack County Savings Bank – AVP/Mortgage Operations Officer
• Amy Mavris, MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank)
• Jami Bourdeau, MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) – Branch Services Manager
• Laura Doerfler, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp – Construction Loan Coordinator 2
• Danielle Sheehan, River Run Bancorp, MHC – VP/PB Residential & Consumer Loan Administrator
• Kimberly Drone, Savings Bank of Walpole – VP/Credit and Administration

The participants were recognized and presented with their certificates during a Certificate Recognition Lunch with CEOs on September 2, 2026.

Standing L-R: Sandy Tracy, SVP/COO, NH Bankers; Stephanie Burnor, MCSB; Laura Doerfler, NH Mutual Bancorp; Amy Mavris, MVSB; James Yates, Franklin Savings Bank; Peter Maheu, Bank of NH; Beth Lyons, Bank of NH; Tammie Cilley, First Seacoast Bank; Sarah Powell, Ledyard Bank; Luis Colon, MCSB; Danielle Sheehan, River Run; Kimberly Drone, Savings Bank of Walpole; Nicole Bunker, Bar Harbor; Jami Bourdeau, MVSB; Carolyn Hudson, First Seacoast Bank; Lisa Byer, BNH; Kristy Merrill, President & CEO, NH Bankers; Dave Sidon, The Banque, Instructor; Mentor/Instructor, Peter Sprudzs, Ledyard Bank

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About New Hampshire Bankers Association

The New Hampshire Bankers Association is a statewide, not-for-profit trade association representing and serving all banking institutions in the State of New Hampshire. The mission of NH Bankers is to support our members by fostering a banking environment that strengthens our communities. For further information, please visit www.nhbankers.com or call (603) 224-5373.

About University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

The Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics (formerly the Whittemore School) at the University of New Hampshire offers a full complement of high-quality programs in business, economics, accounting, finance, information systems management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and hospitality management. Programs are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, and executive development levels. The college is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the premier accrediting agency for business schools worldwide.