It is with a deep sense of gratitude we share with our community development partners that Molly Donovan will be departing UNH Extension to take on an exciting new role as Director of Economic Development for the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority. Her last day with UNH Extension will be February 24, 2023.
For twelve years, Molly has served as the Community and Economic Development State Specialist, based in Durham. In that role, Molly forged key partnerships with communities and organizations like the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, Plan New Hampshire, New Hampshire Listens and UNH PowerPlay, an interactive theater program. In addition to serving as a resource for countless communities across the state—places like Franklin, Farmington, Rochester, and Colebrook—she developed a place-based training model to bring education in community engagement to community leaders and volunteers across the state on topics such as main street revitalization, small business and community resiliency, and most recently, housing.
As a testament to Molly’s deep expertise in community engagement, she was awarded UNH’s prestigious Presidential Award of Excellence, which recognizes UNH faculty and staff for outstanding performance and distinguished service to the University of New Hampshire that aligns with our university's mission and strategic priorities. She was recognized for her contributions to public service and her statewide community engagement efforts.
Since joining Cooperative Extension in 2012, Molly has spearheaded a range of initiatives that have contributed to the well being of New Hampshire and its many, diverse communities. She contributed to Extension through her efforts at expanding professional development, student internships and cultural proficiency and she served as the Regional Representative to the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals and the advisory committee to the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development.
Please join me in thanking Molly for her contributions to UNH Extension and the state of New Hampshire. We will all miss her keen insights, leadership, and the good work that she has catalyzed. In her new role with the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, Molly will help direct resources to communities to help strengthen local economies. Molly, we wish you well in your new role with the NH Community Development Finance Authority and we look forward to continuing our partnership!
