Celebrating Ann Hamilton’s 37 Years of Service

After an extraordinary career with UNH Cooperative Extension, Ann Hamilton, Food Safety Field Specialist, will retire on March 27, 2026. Ann’s journey with Extension began in Carroll County as a Home Economics Extension Educator, and from the very beginning, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of individuals and families across the region.

Throughout her career, Ann provided education in child development, personal finance, food preservation, nutrition, and food safety. Her impact has reached families, early childhood professionals, youth from preschool through high school, food service workers, volunteers, and countless community members across Carroll County and beyond.

Among the many groups she served, Ann fondly reflects on two of her favorites: early childhood professionals, to whom she delivered professional development for over two decades, and food pantry volunteers, about whom she shared, "I have a lot of respect for the work they do on behalf of our community members in need of a helping hand when it comes to food assistance."

One of Ann’s most beloved annual events was Family-A-Fair Day at the Sandwich Fairgrounds each May. The event, which drew over 1,000 participants, was a celebration of family learning, community connection, and hands-on education—an environment where Ann’s enthusiasm and collaboration with Friends of Families Coalition shined.

In addition to her role as an educator, Ann stepped into leadership as County Office Administrator, beginning in 1993 and serving intermittently for many years. She excelled in this role—strengthening relationships with stakeholders, championing the value of Extension’s work, and helping maintain vital county support. Her efforts fortified partnerships with county commissioners, delegation members, and advisory council members, leaving a legacy of strong collaboration and community trust.

From all of us at UNH Cooperative Extension, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ann—for her decades of commitment, her compassion for the people she served, and her unwavering dedication to making her community stronger and healthier.

Congratulations on your well deserved retirement, Ann. We wish you joy, fulfillment, and new adventures in the years ahead!