Cheshire County, in collaboration with the City of Keene and with support from
Primex NH, will launch a new leadership development event on Wednesday April 16th designed
to empower local and regional leaders across the Monadnock Region. The event, titled
“Leadership in 3 Acts: Leading in the Monadnock Region,” is set to bring together current and
emerging leaders for a morning of learning, conversation, and growth.

At a time when communities are navigating increasingly complex challenges, local government
leaders are doubling down on the most valuable resource available: their people. This initiative
reflects a shared commitment to building the skills, resilience, and confidence of those already
serving and those preparing to lead in local government, schools, nonprofits, and community
organizations.

“This event is about recognizing the incredible leadership we already have in the Monadnock
Region and making sure we’re giving those leaders every opportunity to grow and thrive,” said
Chris Coates, Cheshire County Administrator. “The issues we face as communities are evolving,
and the way we lead must evolve with them. By supporting local leaders with tools, insights, andreal connection, we are investing directly in the future of this region.”

The half-day program is structured around three core sessions that address real world leadership challenges from building positive workplace culture to navigating multigenerational teams, and understanding the emotional complexity of administrative leadership. Expert facilitators from across New England, with support from Primex NH, will bring a mix of perspective, experience, and practical strategies tailored to the public sector.

“Strong local leadership is the foundation of strong communities,” added Keene City Manager
Elizabeth Ferland. “Supporting the professional growth of our employees and partners helps all
of us better serve the people who rely on us every day.”

While the sessions will provide engaging and meaningful content, the broader goal is clear: to
create a space where regional leaders can step back, reflect, connect, and grow together. The
County, City, and Primex NH see this as a foundational step in an ongoing effort to promote
excellence in public service leadership throughout Cheshire County and beyond.

“Leadership in 3 Acts” reinforces the region’s commitment to high quality governance,
collaborative problem solving, and a future rooted in strong, capable leadership. It is our belief
that this is the first of a slate of leadership development programming to ensure strong leadership in the region for years to come.

We would like to thank Cheshire County Human Resources Director Kim May and Deputy
Keene City Manager Andy Bohannon for the extraordinary time and care they put into making
“Leadership in 3 Acts” a reality.