UNH Cooperative Extension is pleased to welcome Nate Bernitz to the Community and Economic Development (CED) team. On January 9th, Nate started his role as a CED field specialist serving New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region, where he will provide educational outreach that builds community and regional leaders’ capacity to grow and sustain the economy. Nate’s areas of focus will include economic development, business retention and engagement, and building partnerships that stimulate innovation and foster regional collaboration.
Nate is no stranger to UNH Cooperative Extension, having most recently served as the organization’s Public Engagement Program Manager implementing strategies to promote Extension programs and services. Prior to that, he served as Extension’s Infoline program coordinator.
What many people don’t know is that Nate has experience working in the marine economy sector, including having managed an environmental education network and having served in a public affairs and operations management capacity at Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton, Washington. In his volunteer capacity, Nate currently serves a board member for the Massachusetts Oyster Project, which works on the North Shore and Cape Cod. Nate looks forward to bringing his experience in community outreach and engagement, communications, fundraising, and marine-centered sustainability initiatives to his role as Extension CED field specialist.
When asked about the biggest challenges facing New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region, Nate said, “Several challenges hamper economic development in the Seacoast, including a lack of affordable housing and a relatively high cost of living. But there is opportunity for organizations to work together to innovate and adapt to these challenges.”
Nate holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a BA with an environmental sustainability focus from The Evergreen State College.
We hope that you will take a moment to welcome Nate to the Community and Economic Development Team!
