HealthForce NH

For our fourth and final judge of the 2025 we’re excited to welcome back Richard Lavers! As the Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, Rich has been a key leader in workforce development across the state.? First appointed by Governor Hassan in 2013 and reappointed twice by Governor Sununu, he continues to play a vital role in strengthening New Hampshire’s workforce and economic landscape, and is a valuable member of the HealthForce NH Advisory Board. We’re thrilled to have Rich's expertise on our panel once again! ? ? Saint Anselm College, Saint Anselm Jean School of Nursing & Health Sciences, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, NHTI - Concord's Community College, Bangor Savings Bank

We're awarding up to $200,000 to three innovative health care workforce initiatives on April 14th! We hope you'll join us for this exciting evening.

Less than two weeks to go! We'll announce the semi-finalists on 3/25 and they'll give their live pitches for their ideas at this event. We would love to see you there!

"Most of us believe that New Hampshire is more productive and more successful when everyone can belong. That same majority strives to have difficult, and hopefully productive, conversations with their neighbors — honestly and respectfully." Read on at New Hampshire Union Leader: https://lnkd.in/euvwErYW, and get involved at https://lnkd.in/eku5k9FJ.? ? ? NH Possible, NH Health Cost Initiative, New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR), New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity, Endowment for Health

Meet Kristyn Van Ostern, our third judge for the 2025 Innovation Challenge! As a small business owner, consulting CFO, and president of the trustees at Phillips Exeter Academy, Kristyn brings a wealth of financial and strategic expertise to the panel. Her career spans leadership roles across the public and private sectors, including serving as CFO for the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), state budget director, and holding finance and strategy positions at Timberland. She is also dedicated to community service, serving on the The Granite YMCA?Advisory Board. With her deep experience in financial leadership and a passion for education and community impact, Kristyn is sure to bring invaluable insight to this year’s challenge! ? ? Saint Anselm Jean School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Saint Anselm College, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, NHTI - Concord's Community College, Bangor Savings Bank

We're back from the 2025 ACU (Association of Clinicians for the Underserved) Workforce Symposium in sunny #Nashville, where we participated in discussions focused on solutions for workforce success, engagement, and retention for those in Primary Care Associations (PCA) and Community Health Centers (CHC) across the country. It was two full days of interactive sessions, case studies, and conversations with peers in the room focused on creative strategies to real solutions for keeping health care professionals thriving in their field. We left with plenty of ideas to bring back to New Hampshire that could be applicable throughout all of health care, and were able to network with some incredible people. AND our icebreaker was paper airplane flight races! Our team "The Everywheres" didn't win, but it was a stellar effort ?? Grateful for the chance to connect, learn, and keep pushing for a strong and sustainable health care workforce!? Check out what we got up to on our trip!?? ? ? Ascend Healthcare Inc, The Inline Group, Mission Mobile Medical

Interested in learning more about health care advocacy in #NewHampshire? Join the Endowment for Health?for their Annual Meeting on April 9, 2025, at the BNH Stage in #ConcordNH. Keynote speaker Dr. Tiffany Manuel?from TheCaseMade?will share evidence-based strategies for strengthening health care advocacy, attracting new champions, and aligning stakeholders to drive systems change. For over two decades, the Endowment for Health has been improving the health of New Hampshire’s communities by addressing disparities and expanding access to care. This event is a great opportunity for health care professionals and community leaders to come together and learn how to tackle the state’s critical health challenges! Register now at

Meet Justin Romanello, one of our esteemed judges for the 2025 Innovation Challenge! With nearly 25 years of experience saving lives around the world, Justin has provided care in extreme conditions, from assisting ill climbers on Mt. Everest to supporting those in harm’s way in the Middle East. His career includes roles in both rural and urban EMS, multiple capacities with the U.S. Department of State and Diplomatic Security Service, and private sector work in medical evacuation, security extraction, and crisis management worldwide. Now serving as Chief of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services for the State of #NewHampshire, Justin is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for both residents and visitors. He also represents State EMS Directors on the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) and serves as East Region Chair and Executive Committee member for the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). Outside of his work in emergency response, Justin is an avid hiker, traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast who calls Southern New Hampshire home. We’re thrilled to have his expertise on our judging panel! Thanks for volunteering your time, Justin. ? ? New Hampshire Fire Academy & Emergency Medical Services, Bangor Savings Bank, Saint Anselm College, Saint Anselm Jean School of Nursing & Health Sciences, New Hampshire Institute of Politics, NHTI - Concord's Community College

?? GIVEAWAY ALERT! ?? Want to attend the 2025 Innovation Challenge Semi-Finalist Event on April 2nd? We’re giving away tickets for you and a friend! ???? Join us for an evening of networking and live pitches from five semi-finalists presenting groundbreaking ideas to improve health care workforce recruitment, retention, and sustainability in NH. Plus, enjoy food, drinks, and live Q&A with the judges! How to enter: ? Make sure you're following us ? Comment your answer to the question in the image Winners announced Sunday, 3/16 - good luck!? ? ? Bangor Savings Bank, Saint Anselm Jean School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Saint Anselm College, New Hampshire Institute of Politics

Sweet signs of spring are almost here... It's maple season! ???? #NHMapleWeekend (March 15th and 16th) is your chance to visit local sugarhouses, see how syrup is made, and sample the sweetest flavors of the season. It's one of Kate's favorite weekends to explore NH! Many sugarhouses also offer family-friendly activities, farm tours, and even pancake breakfasts! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of maple firsthand. Find participating sugarhouses and map at your route at nhmapleproducers.com.