Hussey Seating Company announces two new Board Members

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Hussey Seating Company, a leading global provider of seating solutions, is pleased to announce the addition of two distinguished business leaders, David Leopold and Gary Merrill, to its esteemed Board of Directors. Leopold joins the Board with immediate effect, while Merrill's appointment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Leopold brings a wealth of experience as a multi-faceted business leader with over 20 years of experience across several industries, including officer and senior management positions in Fortune 500 companies in the insurance and telecommunications industries. In 2018, Leopold acquired Criterium Engineers, a leading North American consulting engineering firm, where he oversees the management of the company. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Merrill, who is set to step down as CEO of Hussey Seating Company on July 1, 2023, will remain involved with the company as an advisor through the end of 2023; bringing his valuable insights to the Board starting in 2024. Having served in various roles during his more than 30 years of dedicated service with the company, Merrill's extensive experience and comprehensive understanding of the organization make him a valuable addition to the Hussey Board.

"We are delighted to welcome David and Gary to our esteemed Board of Directors," said Letitia Hussey Beauregard, Hussey Seating Company’s Board Chair, and a sixth-generation shareholder. "Their diverse backgrounds and exceptional leadership skills will play a crucial role in guiding our strategic initiatives and further strengthening our position as a global leader in seating solutions. We look forward to their valuable contributions to our organization's continued success."

Catholic Charities NH names Christine Charman Grants Manager

MANCHESTER – Catholic Charities NH, one of the state’s largest social services organizations, announced the hiring of Christine Charman as its Grants Manager.

Charman will oversee and manage Catholic Charities NH’s grants program, which provides funding for programs that support individuals and families in need, of all backgrounds and beliefs, throughout New Hampshire. As an organization committed to addressing many of the top social issues impacting New Hampshire – such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, mental health, veteran support, unsafe environments for children, and isolation among seniors – Charman will connect grantors, foundations and other funders with high-impact opportunities to drive meaningful change on both the statewide and local levels, based on their needs or areas of interest.

Charman brings extensive experience in nonprofit grant writing and administration to her new position. Prior to joining Catholic Charities NH, she was the Grants & Philanthropy Administrator for Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, a critical access hospital in Colebrook, where she helped compose and compile grants for foundation, state and federal funding. She is also the former Executive Director of the Upper Connecticut Valley Community Coalition in Colebrook, successfully coordinating grant funding for projects and programs throughout northern Coos County.

A long-time resident of New Hampshire, Charman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Her new role is based in Manchester.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Names to Know: Meet the new professionals on the Seacoast