New Hampshire’s Future Leaders Are Already in the Room

SWP is proud to announce the 2026 Rising Stars Leadership Cohort, spotlighting some of New Hampshire’s most promising young professionals across industries, including healthcare, finance, media, housing, education, energy, and economic development.

March 3, 2026

Selected and nominated by their employers, these individuals represent the next generation of leadership shaping New Hampshire’s future. The Rising Stars Leadership Program identifies high-performing emerging leaders and equips them with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead boldly within their organizations and communities.

“At a time when workforce challenges dominate headlines, this cohort is the headline,” said Corinne Breton-Benfield, Executive Director of Stay Work Play NH. “These are the individuals whose employers across New Hampshire have identified as the next season of leadership. They are innovators, connectors, and community builders. The future of our state is in very good hands.”

Meet the 2026 Rising Stars Leadership Cohort

  • Alex Berube, Northeast Delta Dental

  • Caitlyn Champagne, M&T Bank

  • Laurie Costa, St. Mary’s Bank

  • Megan Fowler, NHPR

  • Bill Fraser, Northeast Delta Dental

  • Amanda Hipsher, Dartmouth Health

  • Kathryn Kish, Eversource Energy

  • Amy McLaughlin, Granite Edvance

  • Jennifer Merlin, Eversource Energy

  • Megan Reilly, NH Community Loan Fund

  • Christian Ramsey, NH Hospital Association

  • Kinsley Rolph, WMUR

  • William Scrivens, NH Career Academy

  • Joshua Schibi, Rise Private Wealth Management

  • Charlie Sebastyn, Montagne Powers

  • Sam Theodosopoulos, Eptura

  • Paula Viana, Dartmouth Health

  • Karen Velarde-Voskresensky, Absolute Title

  • Jonas Walter, Rise Private Wealth Management

  • Emily Weaver, St. Mary’s Bank

  • Grace Warwick, NH Housing

Why This Matters for New Hampshire

Just weeks ago, Stay Work Play New Hampshire released insights from its statewide Policy & Pints tour, which captured candid conversations with young professionals across New Hampshire about what it will take for them to stay, build careers, and put down roots in the Granite State.

The message was clear: young people want to be here. But housing costs, childcare access, community connection, and career opportunities will determine whether they remain long-term.

The 2026 Rising Stars Leadership Cohort represents the natural next step in that conversation.

If Policy & Pints surfaced the challenges impacting retention, Rising Stars invests directly in the solution, empowering the very individuals who will shape workplace culture, influence policy, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth in the years ahead.

New Hampshire is competing in a 50-state race for talent. Retaining and elevating young professionals is not optional; it is essential to our economic vitality and long-term competitiveness.

The Rising Stars Leadership Program reinforces a simple but powerful truth: when employers intentionally invest in young leaders, they send a signal that New Hampshire is not just a place to start a career, but a place to build one.

From healthcare systems and financial institutions to housing advocates, media outlets, and energy providers, the 2026 cohort reflects a cross-sector commitment to strengthening New Hampshire’s leadership pipeline at a moment when it matters most.

Stay Work Play NH encourages members of the media to meet these Rising Stars, share their stories, and spotlight the individuals shaping the next chapter of leadership in the Granite State. Because when young leaders are included in the trajectory of our state, New Hampshire’s future becomes stronger and more secure.

Powered by Partnership: Rise Private Wealth Management

The Rising Stars Leadership Program is presented in partnership with Rise Private Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, the program’s Presenting Sponsor and Leadership Coaching Partner.

Rise Private Wealth Management’s vision is to lead the way forward in wealth management through purpose, human connection, and innovation, because when success is shared, everyone rises. The firm has built a business rooted in relationships and meaningful impact: bringing confidence, simplicity, and success to clients’ financial lives, while striving to be the best place to build a life and career for its team members.

Rise’s mission and vision align seamlessly with Rising Stars’ core philosophy: to lead and manage others, we must first lead and understand ourselves. Through leadership coaching, skill development, and mentorship embedded within the program, Rise helps cultivate self-awareness, confidence, and growth among participants.

“We believe the best way to serve our community is to invest in its people,” said Christopher Guzikowski, COO, Rise Private Wealth Management. “By engaging in Rising Stars, we are strengthening the human connection, skill development, and support systems that ensure a win-win-win for participants, employers, and New Hampshire as a whole.” Guzikowski kicked off this year’s program as a keynote speaker with a session focusing on the Principles of Leadership. Rise will contribute additional speakers throughout the program, including Private Wealth Advisor and Co-Founder, Robert Bonfiglio, Operations Director, Marianne Lauer, Operations Director and Investment Manager, Nick Trombetta, and Financial Advisor and President, Ryan McCabe.