Will Stewart Named Head of Stay Work Play NH

Stay Work Play New Hampshire, a non-profit dedicated to encouraging 20- and 30-year-olds to stay, work and play in the Granite State, has named Will Stewart as its next executive director. Stewart, an economic development leader and advocate for young professionals, most recently served as president of Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. Stewart will take over for Kate Luczko who has led the organization since 2010.

“After an extensive search process, Will emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Stay Work Play into the future,” said Kristyn Van Ostern, co-chair of the Stay Work Play board of directors. “He’s a proven leader on economic development, tourism and issues important to young people, and embodies Stay Work Play’s mission. Our board is thrilled to have Will’s expertise and skillset advocating for young workers in New Hampshire.”

Stewart, a NH transplant by way of Mississippi and Tennessee, launched a number of initiatives as president of the Derry Londonderry Chamber, including the organization’s nonpartisan advocacy program. He represented the interests of his 350-member chamber on a range of projects, including the expansion of Interstate 93 and Exit 4A, the 633-acre Woodmont Commons mixed-use development, and the Granite State Rail Trail.

In 2016, Stewart published “An Insider’s Guide to Manchester,” a book showcasing all that is unique and interesting about the Queen City. Stewart also spearheaded the successful Manchester bike share initiative. The two-year pilot program engaged Manchester area residents, businesses and nonprofits by placing bike rental stations throughout the city.

"I couldn't be more excited to join Stay Work Play, which has established itself as the leading voice on what is one of our state's most pressing issues: the need to attract and retain more young workers,” Stewart said. "I look forward to leveraging my local and regional experience to a statewide level and leading the organization through the next phase of its development by developing and executing an action-oriented agenda to meet this critical need in a real and measurable way."

Through its website, www.StayWorkPlay.org, initiatives and advocacy, Stay Work Play promotes the retention and attraction of young talent in NH. The organization engages students at colleges and universities statewide through programming and its internship website, NHInternships.com, a resource for employment opportunities at NH companies.

“Our board of directors is extremely grateful to Kate Luczko for her longstanding service and devotion to growing Stay Work Play from an idea to the state’s leading voice on young professional issues,” said Travis York, co-chair of the Stay Work Play board."

Stay Work Play has facilitated the growth of 13 young professionals’ organizations throughout the state and hosts the largest gathering of young professionals at its annual Rising Stars Awards celebration.