Granite United Way appointed Nichole Martin Reimer as Granite United Way’s new president and CEO. The public announcement was made on Nov. 21 during Granite United Way’s celebration event at Manchester Country Club in front of nearly 200 supporters.
Reimer will succeed Patrick Tufts, who has served more than 20 years at the helm. During that time Granite United Way has grown, including merging seven local United Ways.
“After a national search and a series of interviews with strong local and national candidates, we are thrilled to have unanimously chosen Nichole Martin Reimer to lead the future of Granite United Way,” says Joseph Bator, regional vice president TD Bank and Granite United Way’s board chair. “Nichole impressed the search committee with her strong combination of relevant experience and her vision for Granite United Way’s future.”
Reimer has been serving as the organization's chief engagement officer and was the architect of Granite United Way’s Strategic Plan. She also headed its diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts. During her tenure, she built a team of fundraising professionals and community impact teams who work with thousands of volunteers annually. Most recently, she led the launch of an grant making effort offering local nonprofits the opportunity to apply for funding multiple times a year.
Reimer began her nonprofit career as a Jesuit Volunteer in Texas bringing together the YMCA, Salvation Army, and local Rotary Clubs to develop mentoring and educational programs impacting youth from migrant communities and those experiencing homelessness. Upon moving back to her native Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1998, she began a career with United Way that has spanned several United Ways and included managing a volunteer center, growing the annual campaign evolving partnerships and initiating new efforts to increase inclusion and diversity. One of Reimer’s significant contributions has been leading the efforts to bring the 211 information and referral system to NH, which connect more than 165,000 residents with resources annually.
“I am deeply humbled, honored, and excited to step into this role and lead the next chapter of United Way and build on its legacy. For me, this journey is deeply personal. My family has always emphasized civic commitment—a tradition that has shaped my values and inspired my dedication to making a difference. I’m also guided by Jesuit ideals and the mantra I embraced during my time with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps: being a person for others. These principles guide my work at Granite United Way as we continue our mission and evolve our work to lead community impact and change,” says Reimer.
“Working with Nichole over 25 years has been incredibly rewarding and I know she is the right choice to lead Granite United Way into the future,” says Tufts. “I have been honored to lead Granite United Way and am grateful for the trust our donors, staff and volunteers have instilled in me during the past 20 years. I have no doubt Nichole will build on the foundation we’ve established; Granite United Way is in good hands.” Tufts will be active in Reimer’s transition to president and CEO through the end of the year.
"Leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in your charge. As the new president and CEO of Granite United Way, Nichole Reimer's vision and determination have the power to inspire and transform countless lives. We believe in her ability to lead with courage, compassion, and integrity," says Daisy M. Pierce, executive director of Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region.
A life-long runner, Reimer ran and captained the Track and Field and Cross-Country teams at the College of the Holy Cross where she obtained a BA in Sociology. She earned her MBA with a concentration in nonprofit management from Boston University where she served as president of the Nonprofit Management Club. In addition to her local volunteerism, Reimer is currently a member of Leadership NH’s Class of 2025. She resides in Derry with her husband of 25 years, their two sons and daughter.
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