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City Year NH Bolsters Board with Key Appointments

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 18:34 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

MANCHESTER, NH - February 22, 2026 - City Year New Hampshire has announced the addition of Sarah Beaudin, Michael Pedler, and Elizabeth Skelton to its board of directors, a move widely seen as a strategic bolstering of the organization's leadership as it navigates an increasingly complex landscape of educational challenges within the state. The appointments, effective immediately, come at a critical juncture for New Hampshire schools, facing persistent achievement gaps and ongoing recovery from pandemic-related learning loss.

City Year New Hampshire, a local chapter of the national non-profit, partners with public schools to provide targeted support to students, with a proven track record of improving graduation rates and fostering a more equitable educational environment. Founded in 1991, the New Hampshire chapter is one of 30 across the United States, each adapting the City Year model to address the unique needs of its local communities.

The incoming board members bring a wealth of experience from diverse sectors. Sarah Beaudin, a shareholder at the prominent law firm Devine Millimet & Branch P.A. with offices in Manchester and Concord, offers expertise in legal governance and risk management. Her background will prove invaluable as City Year NH continues to navigate complex partnerships with school districts and secure funding.

Michael Pedler, founder and managing director of Iron Gate Wealth Management in Portsmouth, lends financial acumen and strategic planning skills. Pedler's understanding of investment and resource allocation will be critical as City Year NH expands its programs and seeks sustainable funding models. The organization relies on a mix of grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations to support its operations.

Elizabeth Skelton, President and CEO of the New Hampshire Better Business Bureau, brings a strong commitment to ethical practices and community trust. Skelton's leadership in consumer protection and advocacy aligns with City Year NH's focus on creating positive and responsible citizens. Her expertise in building and maintaining public confidence will be vital in strengthening the organization's reputation and attracting volunteers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sarah, Michael, and Elizabeth to our board," stated April Rhodes, City Year New Hampshire's executive director. "Their experience in business, community engagement and education will be invaluable as we continue to serve students and communities across New Hampshire."

A Growing Need in New Hampshire Schools

The addition of these new board members comes amidst growing concerns about educational outcomes in New Hampshire. While the state consistently ranks high in some national education metrics, significant disparities persist between affluent and disadvantaged communities. The pandemic exacerbated these existing challenges, leading to learning loss, increased student anxiety, and a strain on already limited school resources.

City Year NH's model addresses these issues by deploying AmeriCorps members as full-time tutors and mentors within high-need schools. These dedicated individuals work directly with students, providing individualized support in core subjects, helping them stay on track to graduate, and fostering a positive learning environment. The program also focuses on social-emotional learning, recognizing the importance of addressing students' holistic needs.

Expansion and Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, City Year New Hampshire has outlined ambitious plans for expansion. The organization aims to increase its presence in more schools across the state, particularly in underserved communities. This expansion will require not only increased funding but also a robust recruitment strategy to attract talented and dedicated AmeriCorps members.

The new board members are expected to play a key role in these efforts, leveraging their networks and expertise to secure resources, build partnerships, and advocate for policies that support educational equity. Discussions are already underway regarding potential collaborations with local businesses and philanthropic organizations to increase financial support for City Year NH's programs. Furthermore, the board is exploring opportunities to expand the organization's impact beyond traditional tutoring, including initiatives focused on college and career readiness.

Skelton specifically noted the importance of aligning City Year NH's goals with the state's broader economic development strategy. "Investing in education is investing in the future workforce," she stated. "We need to ensure that all New Hampshire students have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy."

The appointments signal a strong commitment from City Year New Hampshire to addressing the critical educational needs of the state, and the collective experience of the new board members promises to be a powerful asset in achieving that goal.