Anthony Poore
The board of directors of New Hampshire Humanities has appointed Anthony Poore as executive director. Originally from Ohio and a 20-year resident of NH, Poore is no stranger to the people, history, and communities that make the state so rich in cultural resources.
With more than 20 years of experience working in the community economic development sector, he brings a special commitment to addressing the needs of both urban and rural communities by forging partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, and communities. He shares a deep and enduring commitment the state and an appreciation for the humanities and lifelong learning.
"We are tremendously excited by the skills, network, dynamism, and perspective Anthony brings to New Hampshire Humanities," says board chair Ellen Scarponi. "He is deeply committed to New Hampshire, to civil society, and to democracy, and truly appreciates the potential for the humanities to inspire and strengthen individuals and communities."
Poore's past and current professional experience includes community organizing within urban and rural settings, qualitative/quantitative research initiatives, and intelligence gathering on low and moderate-income communities. Poore has held leadership positions in social justice organizations, traditional and non-traditional financial institutions, affordable housing providers, community-based organizations, academic institutions and government partners.
Most recently, he served as director of regional and community outreach at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and assistant dean at Southern New Hampshire University. He has also served on the boards of the NH Community Loan Fund, NH Endowment for Health, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Carsey School of Public Policy’s NH Listens Project.
Poore’s commitment to addressing the interests of communities and work with multiple public/private stakeholders were especially impressive to the search committee. Equally important were his strong insights and vision for fostering new partnerships with minority, immigrant, and rural communities through the humanities. These strengths are especially important as Poore steps into his new role in when federal funding for the humanities is once again threatened.
"I'm excited about this opportunity and cognizant of the work that lies ahead," Poore says. "I'm also humbled by the confidence the selection committee and staff have in my ability to lead this organization forward, building on the strong foundation of those who came before me."