UNH Cooperative Extension is pleased welcome Jada Lindblom, Ph.D., as the newest member of Cooperative Extension’s Community and Economic Development team. Jada will begin her role on January 11, 2021 as a field specialist in Belknap County, where she will focus her efforts on stakeholder engagement around a variety of economic development topics including sustainable tourism, downtown revitalization, business retention and expansion and the nature economy.
Having grown up in neighboring Merrimack County, Lindblom has long associated Belknap County with ample opportunities to enjoy the region’s many lakes and mountains, as well as leverage these assets grow the local and regional economy. “I am very much looking forward to getting to know each of the county's communities and helping them work towards the goals of economic vitality, main street revitalization and enhanced quality of life,” said Lindblom.
When asked about future opportunities for the region, Lindblom said, “This past year has been rough for many New Hampshire communities, but the Lakes Region has so many assets that offer an exciting platform of opportunities for residents, visitors and prospective businesses alike.”
In her former professional role with the Center for Sustainable Tourism at Arizona State University, Lindblom focused on tourism and outdoor recreation as means of building economic resilience and helped several western states with tourism planning and development. Prior to that, she served as a historic sites manager with the Utah Heritage Foundation, as well as executive director for the Utah Association for Justice. In her early career, she worked as a kayak guide, a naturalist and even as a chef and tour guide in places like Alaska, Hawaii and Colorado.
Lindblom holds an undergraduate degree from Scripps College, an M.A. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Utah, and a Ph.D. in Community Resources and Development from Arizona State University.
“We are thrilled to have Jada join our team,” said Charlie French, the Community and Economic Development program leader. “Not only is she familiar with Belknap County, having grown up in neighboring Merrimack County, but she has deep experience helping rural communities leverage their natural and recreational assets to create economic vitality.”
We hope that you will take a moment to welcome Jada Lindblom to UNH Extension!
