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Board of Directors

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Deborah McNeish

Board President

Deb is delighted to serve as President for the Humane Society. A volunteer since 2005, Deb has been involved in many events benefitting NH Humane. Since 2010, she has fostered cats and kittens. A resident of Meredith, Deb is active in the community and, prior to retirement, was a NH public school administrator.

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Ashley Davis

Secretary

Ashley is part of the pretigious Sotheby's International Realty Brand. She calls Gilford home along with her perfect tripawd rescue dog, Stella. When she is not working, she spends her free time exploring Winnipesaukee and relaxing at her family property on Welch Island.

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Larissa Lezama-Salcedo

Board Member

Larissa and her family helped create the city's first dog park with donations from the Lezama family. She says of her hard-working immigrant family that they rose to success through perseverance. The family opened Las Piñatas in the former railroad station in Laconia after moving to the Lakes Region from Mexico City. 

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Charles Stanton

Ex-Officio Member

As the Chief Executive Officer of New Hampshire Humane Society, Charles serves as a non-voting member of the Board as the primary liaison between the staff and Board. With input from Board, staff, and other stakeholders, Charles establishes vision and direction to ensure the organization succeeds.

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Jerry Kadish

Vice President

Jerry is an entrepreneur and real estate investor. He and his wife adopted their dog, Molly, from NH Humane in 2018. Jerry has extensive Board experience including meaningful work with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to NH Humane Society.

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Suzanne Bryant

Board Member

Suzanne's first volunteer work as a teen was on this campus. After a 34-year sales career, she returned to school for a new career with the Town of Meredith all while raising three children and  remaining very active in the community. Suzanne's family also includes two cats - a foster fail from NH Humane!

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Nate McShinsky

Board Member

A marketing specialist for Eastern Propane & Oil, Nate is integral in the partnership between Eastern and the Humane Society. Nate helped plan the BE A HERO 5k and PURRS & POURS - the granite state’s first cat café. Nate has numerous pets including a rescue pup from New Hampshire Humane Society.

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Rachel Xavier

Board Member

An successful real estate agent, Rachel is equally invested in her community as a volunteer, activist, philanthropist, and animal lover and several of her pups come from NH Humane! Rachel hosts fundraisers and events throughout the year for a variety of causes including for animal welfare and rescue groups. 

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Jonathan Thurston

Treasurer

A native New Hampshire resident, Jon joined the Humane Society Board in 2021. Actively involved in the Lakes Region, Jon brings his very impressive business knowledge and a sincere love of animals to the Board of Directors at New Hampshire Humane Society.

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Samantha Durfee

Board Member

The Director of Public Health for the Capital Area Public Health Network at Granite United Way, Sam received her MSW from UNH. She lives with her husband and rescue cats and supports the Humane Society so animals and people have opportunity for love, growth, and empowerment. 

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Jeanne Prescott

Board Member

Jeanne volunteered and worked for NHHS for many years. She is now a nurse practitioner. Among her many pets is a NH Humane rescue horse that has been with her for 30 years! Jeanne raises dogs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind and brings her animal welfare expertise and compassion to the Board.

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