Meet Our Dedicated Team
Get to know the passionate individuals behind New Futures, committed to empowering advocacy in New Hampshire. Our team works tirelessly towards building a brighter future through strategic policy change.
Michele D. Merritt President
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Michele D. Merritt President
Michele Merritt has overall leadership and management responsibility for New Futures. With the Board of Directors, she establishes the strategic priorities for the organization. She leads the organization in advancing its mission by creating new possibilities for project initiatives and grants, fostering innovation, leveraging resources, establishing partnerships, and coordinating staff activities. In addition, she seeks to identify opportunities for collaboration between and among New Futures and public and nonprofit entities on policy and legislative issues of mutual concern such as public funding for treatment services and improving access to community-based supports for New Hampshire’s children and families.
Prior to assuming the role of President, Michele served as New Futures Senior Vice President and led the organization’s expansion into the areas of health and early childhood policy. In addition to overseeing and managing numerous grant initiatives related to New Futures’ mission and goals, Michele provided leadership, direction and expertise on access to treatment policy priorities.
Before joining New Futures, Michele received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Public Administration from Clark University and her Juris Doctor from Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law.
Michele was the 2013 recipient of Penn State Law’s Miller Public Interest Advocate and the Miller Pro Bono Advocate Awards and received a Public Service Graduate Fellowship, which supported her post-graduate work at the Disabilities Rights Center in Concord. Michele comes to New Futures after serving as a hearing officer at the NH Department of Labor.
Contact Info
Email: mmerritt@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 109
April Arel Vice President of Finance and Operations
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April Arel Vice President of Finance and Operations
April Arel manages all operational and financial components of New Futures including but not limited to, organizational financial management and budgeting, management of shared service contracts, management of the enterprise level of New Futures’ Balanced Scorecard, vendor relations, business-related oversight to the Board of Directors and general operational needs. The Vice President of Operations and Finance furthers New Futures’ Mission by ensuring efficient operations and financial management of the organization and providing needed support to the Board of Directors.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, April brings over 20 years of experience in customer service, management, finance, and business practices. April came to New Futures in October 2009. She resides in the lakes region and enjoys spending time with her husband and furkids and doing volunteer Board work.
Contact Info
Email: aarel@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 114
Jake Berry Vice President of Policy
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Jake Berry Vice President of Policy
Jake manages the organization’s policy efforts, providing expertise and management in healthcare, substance use, and early childhood policy. His role includes tracking critical legislation and ensuring that lawmakers, advocates, and the public are well-informed about New Futures’ core issues.
Prior to joining New Futures, Jake served as District Director for U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster in New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District. In this role, Jake oversaw the daily operations and strategic planning of Congresswoman Kuster’s New Hampshire offices. He also worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers throughout New Hampshire and across New England, including the Nashua Telegraph, the Cape Cod Times, the Keene Sentinel and others.
As a Granite State native, Jake attended Manchester public schools. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology from Boston College and received a Master’s in Educational Studies from Southern New Hampshire University.
Jake currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Temple Adath Yeshurun in Manchester. He has previously served on the boards of Best Buddies New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Press Association.
In his spare time, Jake enjoys spicy food, BC sports and the music of Bruce Springsteen. He lives in Manchester with his wife, Anna; their twin boys, Evan and Jonah; and their dog, Clarence the Corgi.
Contact Info
Email: jberry@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 105
Kate Frey Vice President of Advocacy
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Kate Frey Vice President of Advocacy
Kate serves as Vice President of Advocacy of the organization and has the primary responsibility of directing and managing New Futures’ alcohol and other drug policy initiatives. Also in her role as Vice President of Advocacy, Kate analyzes state budget policies related to the revenues raised from the sale of alcohol in the state in order to ensure adequate and appropriate funding for substance misuse programs and services and works with policymakers and stakeholders to influence spending priorities for prevention, treatment and recovery. Kate also tracks, analyzes, and synthesizes policy, legislative proposals, best practices, and research related to alcohol and other drug policy issues.
Kate furthers the portion of New Futures’ mission related to collaborating and educating to prevent and reduce problems associated with alcohol and other drugs in New Hampshire and promotes New Futures’ vision of state and local communities whose public policies support prevention, treatment, and recovery-oriented efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug problems.
Kate comes to New Futures after a 20-year career with the State of New Hampshire, which included serving as the Executive Director of the NH Commission on the Status of Women, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Coordinator within the Department of Health and Human Services. For the last 11 years prior to coming to New Futures, Kate worked in the Division of Public Health Services as the Legislative Liaison/Policy Administrator. Her role included coordinating the legislative and budgetary agenda for the Division as she worked with legislators, state agencies, and public health stakeholders to develop sound public health policy for the state. Kate received her degree in Social Science from St Bonaventure University.
Contact Info
Email: kfrey@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 110
Martha McLeod Vice President of Community Engagement
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Martha McLeod Vice President of Community Engagement
Martha McLeod is the Vice President of Community Engagement. In this role, she leads New Futures' efforts to recruit, train, engage, empower and mobile grassroots individuals and organizations in support of policy issues.
Prior to this, Martha served New Futures as the community engagement coordinator for the NH Alliance for Healthy Aging (AHA) for New Futures. In her new role as VP, she continues to work to engage, train, and mobilize older adults in advocacy efforts to improve healthy aging in New Hampshire.
Martha came to New Futures after a 30-year career in community and public health, which included serving as the Executive Director of a rural health network, as a nutrition consultant in the Division of Public Health Services at the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and working directly with young parents providing nutrition education in a community food program. Most recently, she has worked as a consultant providing project management, grant writing, and other services to not for profit organizations and a government agency.
Martha was elected to the NH General Court as a state representative for two terms and served on the Commerce and Finance Committees. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and her Masters in Occupational Education with a concentration in Adult Education from the University of New Hampshire.
After raising her family in the seacoast community of Portsmouth, Martha returned to her native north country home in Franconia where she enjoys hiking and skiing. She and her husband have two grown daughters and four grandchildren.
Contact Info
Email: mmcleod@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 126
Rebecca Woitkowski, Esq. Child and Family Policy Director
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Rebecca Woitkowski, Esq. Child and Family Policy Director
Rebecca serves as the Child and Family Policy Director for New Futures. She works to coordinate and lead early childhood policy and advocacy efforts in New Hampshire.
Prior to entering into this role, Rebecca worked in private practice focusing on civil litigation and family law. Her experience working directly with clients lead her to seek out policy work to help improve the lives of New Hampshire families on a greater scale. Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University in 2008 and her Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law in 2011.
As a life-long resident, Rebecca has a deep love for New Hampshire and is eager for the opportunity to use her legal skills to help advance policies that will positively impact her home state. In her free time, Rebecca can be found exploring the White Mountains with her family and two dogs.
Contact Info
Email: rwoitkowski@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603.225.9540 Ext. 128
Jim Doyle Director of Development
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Jim Doyle Director of Development
Jim joined New Futures as Director of Development in September 2022. In this role, he manages New Futures' development and fundraising efforts, helping donors and supporters find ways to invest their time, talents, and financial gifts to further the important policy work being carried out by New Futures and its coalition partners.
Prior to joining New Futures, Jim served as Associate Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts at the University of New Hampshire. In that role, Jim helped donors achieve their philanthropic priorities by working with them to establish scholarship, faculty, and programmatic support funds. Jim also spent over a decade working for a variety of entertainment companies in Los Angeles, including Red Hour Productions, Phoenix Pictures, Landscape Entertainment, and Brillstein-Grey Entertainment Partners.
Jim was born and raised in Rhode Island, and spent summers working at Camp Calumet in Freedom, NH. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Emerson College in Boston, and his M.B.A. from the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics at the University of New Hampshire.
Jim currently serves on the church council for Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, where he is also Treasurer. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for the Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire. He also volunteers time serving meals at Concord’s Friendly Kitchen, and is an Eagle Scout.
When not at work, Jim loves spending time with his wife Amy, their children Sam and Madeline, and their golden retriever Leo McGarry. Jim also likes playing golf, watching Patriots football with friends, and enjoying all that life in New Hampshire has to offer.
Contact Info
Email: jdoyle@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 102
Emma Sevigny Children's Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator
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Emma Sevigny Children's Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator
Emma serves as the Children's Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator for New Futures. She works to support and strengthen a comprehensive and integrated System of Care for children and youth.
Emma Sevigny joined New Futures recently as our Children's Behavioral Health Policy Coordinator! In this role, she works to support and strengthen a comprehensive and integrated System of Care for children and youth.
Before coming to New Futures, Emma practiced estate planning and family law. She enjoyed working with families to solve problems that they were facing. In her role as an attorney, Emma frequently helped clients navigate social services outside of the court system, and she worked to simplify this complex system for families in need. Emma also serves on the board of the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, where she has learned more about how non-profits advocate for community members on a broader scale. She’s excited to use her experiences to help family across New Hampshire.
Emma graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Law from Plymouth State University and graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Emma is originally from Connecticut, but she fell in love with New Hampshire while she attended school and decided to stay permanently. In her free time, Emma enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Contact Info
Email: esevigny@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 118
Sammi Chickering Communications Director
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Sammi Chickering Communications Director
Sammi Chickering joined New Futures as Communications Director in August of 2022. In this role, she educates the public about issue areas through digital and written content, the New Futures website, social media, email, and by working with the press.
Before joining New Futures, Sammi was the communications associate at ROC USA, a non-profit that provides homeowners in manufactured home communities the opportunity to cooperatively own the land beneath their neighborhoods. At ROC USA, she oversaw the organization’s social media channels, promoted events and news, worked to enhance the user experience of the website, assisted in the creation of educational and promotional materials, and served as producer for the organization’s podcast, Ownership Matters. Prior to ROC USA, Sammi worked in collegiate athletics communications for eight years with stops at Norwich University, Anna Maria College, and New England College.
Sammi holds both a Bachelor of Science in sport management and a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. A New Hampshire native, Sammi lives in Concord with her husband and son. In her free time she enjoys exploring the state, reading, and serving as the volunteer website administrator for the New Boston Rail Trail.
Contact Info
Email: schickering@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 120
Jess Wojenski Training Manager
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Jess Wojenski Training Manager
Jess manages New Futures training program, organizing and delivering trainings both statewide and virtually for organizations, nonprofits, and individuals interested in advocating for policy change in NH. Click here to learn more about New Futures Training Program.
Jess has delivered over 100 trainings in her time at New Futures, and has been a member of the Community Engagement team supporting and mobilizing advocates to participate in the legislative process since 2018.
Jess received her BA in Communication and Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of New Hampshire. She interned at organizations dedicated to advocating for healthcare access and social justice. She has also served on the board of the Equality Health Center and is an alumna of New Leaders Council NH.
Jess enjoys watching comedy and doing creative projects in her personal time. She grew up in NH and continues to reside in the Granite State.
Contact Info
Email: jwojenski@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 117
Kim Ip Community Engagement Coordinator & Data Manager
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Kim Ip Community Engagement Coordinator & Data Manager
Kim is responsible for recruiting, training, and mobilizing advocates to participate in the legislative process.
Kim received her BA in History with a minor in Political Science and a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the University of New Hampshire. During graduate school, she worked as a policy research fellow at the Carsey School of Public Policy and as an intern at Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund in Political Affairs. Before New Futures Kim worked on the 2020 New Hampshire presidential campaign.
In her spare time, Kim enjoys baking, traveling, and thrifting. She is a Vermont native and currently resides in the Upper Valley.
Contact Info
Email: kip@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 Ext. 119
Jillian Andrews Dubois Community Engagement Coordinator
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Jillian Andrews Dubois Community Engagement Coordinator
Jillian works part-time as a community engagement coordinator for New Futures. She focuses on the issue areas of early childhood and children’s behavioral health. Her responsibilities include engaging, mobilizing, and training individuals and organizations to advocate on policy priorities.
A lifelong Granite Stater, Jillian joined New Futures in April of 2022. She earned both her bachelor's degree in history and master's degree in teaching from the University of New Hampshire. She came to New Futures with over ten years of experience in non-profits, including as Executive Director at the New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association and as Grassroots Advocacy Manager for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in New Hampshire. Her proudest career accomplishment before coming to New Futures was spearheading the successful campaign to pass a new state law to protect minors from cancer-causing indoor tanning devices. She has also volunteered with many political campaigns.
Jillian lives in Concord with her husband, 6-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old son. She volunteers with her neighborhood public school's PTO as well as the Junior Service League of Concord, which raises funds for local women and children in crisis.
Contact Info
Email: jdubois@new-futures.org
Mobile Phone Number: 603-724-4047
Michaela Safford Communications Coordinator
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Michaela Safford Communications Coordinator
Michaela Safford supports the communications needs of New Futures and its contracted partner organizations. She informs the public about New Futures’ ongoing and campaign advocacy through the organization’s website and social media, digital and print materials, and public relations.
Before joining New Futures, Michaela moved around the United States for several years as a military spouse. When she was stationed in Hawaii, she served as a communications coordinator at the Hawaiian Humane Society, a local non-profit dedicated to animal welfare. She supported the organization’s internal and external communications and worked to promote the human-animal bond through education, outreach, and advocacy. One of her favorite responsibilities was serving as the organization’s animal photographer, where she got to meet new animals every day and give lots of belly rubs.
Michaela received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Colby College, where she was also a member of the track and field team and a youth mentor. Born and raised in the Monadnock region, Michaela is happy to be back in her home state. She enjoys spending her free time exploring playgrounds with her husband and two kids, making lattes for friends, and training for obstacle-course races.
Contact Info
Email: msafford@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603.225.9540 Ext. 108
Lauren Martin Community Engagement Coordinator
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Lauren Martin Community Engagement Coordinator
Lauren Martin supports New Futures’ community engagement team as a community engagement coordinator. Her work focuses on the issue areas of early childhood care and education.
Lauren comes to New Futures with a master’s degree in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Veterinary Science with a minor in Psychology from UMass Amherst. Complimenting her academics, Lauren served as Animal Advocacy Intern at the MSPCA in Boston, where she worked on animal welfare policy initiatives. She also has previous experience as a substitute teacher in Amherst, NH.
Originally from Massachusetts, Lauren now calls the Granite State home. She enjoys spending her free time reading, knitting, hiking, and volunteering at the Animal Rescue League of NH, where she cares for cats. She also centers her time around her family, friends, and her pets: three cats, a dog, and two guinea pigs.
Contact Info
Email: lmartin@new-futures.org
Phone Number: (603) 225-9540 x100
Jill Billow Senior Bookkeeper
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Jill Billow Senior Bookkeeper
Jill supports the New Futures staff by performing a variety of general office activities and providing bookkeeping support to ensure efficient functioning of the office and financial software.
Originally from upstate NY, Jill and her family moved to Bow, NH about five years ago. In her spare time, Jill enjoys cooking, reading, walking their golden retriever, and managing the activities of her three very active teenagers.
Contact Info
Email: jbillow@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 ext. 115
Brianna Hankel Legal Policy Fellow
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Brianna Hankel Legal Policy Fellow
Brianna Hankel supports the policy team as New Futures’ Legal Policy Fellow. Her work focuses on the policy areas of maternal and public health.
Brianna received her BA in Communications from Keene State College and her JD and Certificate of Health Law and Policy from UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law. She has extensive internship experience spanning legal and advocacy organizations including UNH’s Institute for Health Policy and Practice, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, and the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire. She enjoys using her legal knowledge to improve New Hampshire communities.
In her free time, Brianna enjoys hiking with her dog, crocheting, and playing video games. Her dog isn’t her only pet though – she also has four cats!
Contact Info
Email: bhankel@new-futures.org
Phone Number: 603-225-9540 ext. 121