Head of NHBSR Leaves Post

Executive Director Molly Hodgson Smith is leaving her leadership role at New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR). Hodgson Smith, whose extensive professional background includes more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership, is leaving after six years at NHBSR.

"There comes a time in every organization for change and this will present NHBSR with the opportunity to write the next chapter in its evolution," Hodgson Smith said. She has accepted the position of executive director for the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce in Dover, replacing Kirt Schuman, and will stay at NHBSR through the end of April. Schuman left the Dover Chamber not long ago when the board of directors determined his private business created a conflict of interest with his role as the head of the chamber.

"Molly joined the organization in 2005 at a crucial time in our history," NHBSR co-chair Bonnie Kurylo said. "The board had decided to elevate the level of programs and services we offered to our members. Molly set us on a journey to help this diverse and well-respected membership come together to learn, mentor, network and promote their corporate social responsibilities practices."

Under Hodgson Smith's leadership, NHBSR has experienced impressive growth in membership, grant procurement and programming. She has taken NHBSR from a small group of like-minded business leaders with a shared philosophy into a diverse community of well-respected companies and organizations that come together to promote sustainability and corporate responsibility in NH.

Hodgson Smith started with NHBSR on a part-time basis and replaced the former executive director, Lindsay Shearer, when she left. She says she will assist the board to execute its succession plan. "NHBSR is fully prepared to implement a seamless executive transition" Hodgson Smith said.

A search for an executive director will begin June 2011.

Meanwhile, the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce named Hodgson Smith its new executive director, citing her extensive experience with nonprofit organizations. She will manage the daily operations of the Chamber as well as work with the board of directors to develop effective Chamber programs.

"We are pleased to welcome Molly back to the Dover business community after several years of working on statewide initiatives," said Michael Bolduc, an attorney at Wyskiel, Boc, Tillinghast & Bolduc, P.A. and chairman of the board. Hodgson Smith started her nonprofit career serving as the events manager at the Chamber from 1994-1998. "She has an extensive record of success in developing and building business membership organizations. We look forward to her leadership," said Dave Paolini, Designated Broker at Century 21/Central Falls Realty, a member of the search committee and the Chamber's board chair-elect.