The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is pleased to welcome Molly Donovan as the Director of Economic Development. Ms. Donovan brings a breadth of experience leading community economic development initiatives, working deeply within communities across New Hampshire to increase local capacity, implement new strategies, and build small business and community resiliency.
“Molly’s wholistic approach to community economic development, along with her deep commitment to community engagement and partnership building, will be of great value to her new role at CDFA,” stated Katherine Easterly Martey, CDFA’s Executive Director. “She brings an extensive background in building the capacity of communities, understanding statewide needs and trends, and developing responsive and impactful programs. We look forward to having Molly’s expertise help shape how we continue to support and strengthen New Hampshire’s businesses and communities.”
Ms. Donovan joins CDFA after serving twelve years as the Associate Extension Educator and State Specialist at the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. She led statewide programs that focused on issues critical to the vibrancy of Granite State communities including business retention, small business and community resiliency, main street revitalization, and community engagement. Ms. Donovan’s experience also includes leading land conservation, economic development, community development, and housing efforts in New Hampshire, Ohio, Michigan, and Western New York.
“I am pleased to continue to serve the people and communities of New Hampshire in my new role as CDFA’s Director of Economic Development,” Ms. Donovan commented. “CDFA is a vital partner in initiatives that foster change which strengthen the economy, create vibrant communities, and serve the people of New Hampshire. I look forward to focusing on the important work of supporting local businesses and communities, especially now as we work to address new challenges in New Hampshire.”
Ms. Donovan is a graduate of the Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2019. Her work has been recognized in New Hampshire and regionally with the University of New Hampshire Presidential Award of Excellence and the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities Northeast Regional Award for Excellence in 2018. Ms. Donovan has a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Buffalo and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Political Science from Canisius College.
Ms. Donovan will begin her work at CDFA starting February 27. If you would like to contact Ms. Donovan regarding her new role, please email mdonovan@nhcdfa.org.
Kevin Peterson, who has served as CDFA’s Director of Economic Development since 2018, will continue to support the organization and his successor to ensure a smooth transition. Timing of his formal departure will be announced at a later date.
About the Community Development Finance Authority
The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is a statewide nonprofit public authority focused on maximizing the value and impact of community development, economic development, and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire. The organization leverages a variety of financial and technical resources, including the competitive deployment of grant, loan, and equity programs. Those resources include New Hampshire state tax credits, federal Community Development Block Grant resources and the CDFA Clean Energy Fund. For more information about CDFA and its programs visit www.nhcdfa.org or call 603-226-2170.
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Contact: Melissa Latham, CDFA, mlatham@nhcdfa.org / (603) 717-9107
