This year, NH Business Review marks the 22nd anniversary of our Business Excellence Awards, which celebrate the initiative, creativity and tenacity of the Granite State’s business community.
In all of those years, the Business Excellence Awards have been presented to almost 300 exceptional Granite Staters — people from across the state whose accomplishments can inspire others to make their own mark on New Hampshire’s future. This year, we recognize 17 businesspeople who embody the resilience and passion needed to defeat the odds and build a successful business. Each of them has a unique story to tell, but what they all have in common is ambition, industriousness, the ability to cultivate innovative solutions, and respect for their employees, vendors, customers and clients. And each shares a commitment to serving their communities that will impact our state for generations to come.
And again this year, we celebrate the induction of another member of our Business Excellence Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors people whose entire careers have been devoted not just to the business community of New Hampshire, but the whole state, and often beyond our borders.
This year’s winner, Dean Kamen, is the embodiment of that description. We’re thrilled to honor and thank Dean for his accomplishments and contributions to New Hampshire, and beyond.
Finally, we’d like to acknowledge all of the 2024 nominees, the hundreds of people who have nominated business leaders over the past 22 years, the judges who have graciously given their time to select our honorees and, of course, all of our past and present Business Excellence Award winners, who have set the standard for business success in New Hampshire.
Hall of Fame
Dean Kamen, founder of DEKA Research & Development and the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)
While Kamen may be best known for inventing the Segway, his greatest impact has been developing such health care technologies as a portable dialysis machine, a stair-climbing wheelchair, a bionic prosthetic arm and a water purification device. Since 2017, Kamen has led the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI), a nonprofit consortium of life science companies, educational institutions and government working to accelerate the production of human tissue and organs, a project that has secured $500 million in federal funding and in-kind investment. Kamen might argue that his greatest legacy was founding FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a nonprofit that organizes robotics competitions for students ages 4 to 18 worldwide that receives support from more than 200 Fortune 500 companies and a network of volunteers and educators.
Business & Professional Services – Large
Ken Viscarello, Shareholder, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green
As chair of the Sheehan Phinney’s Affordable Housing Group, Ken has a diverse practice specializing in real estate development, concentrating in affordable housing development. Over the past 20 years, he has represented developers in securing project financing through numerous funding sources, including the syndication of Low Income Housing Tax Credits, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Multi-Family Housing Bonds, State HOME Funds, Municipal HOME Funds, HUD 223(f) Financings, HUD 221(d)(4) Financings, FANNIE MAE Financings and various grants. In addition, Ken also represents developers and contractors in the preparation and negotiations of construction and architect’s contracts. Ken has as an AIA license and the ability to prepare and produce AIA contracts for clients.
Business & Professional Services – Small
Kathleen Nelson, President, World Academy
Originally from Washington, D.C., Kathy moved to New Hampshire, where, in 1980, she and her husband, Gary, founded the Small World Learning Center to meet the demand for high-quality child care for working parents in the Greater Nashua area. Since then, Kathy has served as executive director, head of school, and, as of 2017, president of the school. Through her leadership and vision, World Academy has expanded over the years, now serving over 500 students from infants through grade 8. Throughout her career, Kathy has actively championed the importance of early childhood and quality independent education, advocating not only locally, but also at the state level. Her vision to educate students with innovative and transformative experiences always included working with families and is informed by her pluralistic perspective. She has empowered many to understand that there is nothing we can’t do when we believe in ourselves. After almost five decades that theme still permeates the climate and culture of World Academy.
Consumer Services – Large
Eric Goodwin, Co-owner, The Friendly Toast
Eric’s career began in restaurants, following in his father’s footsteps as an entrepreneurial restauranteur. With an inherited passion for hospitality, Eric soon discovered his personal passion: people. He had such a knack for hiring the best people that other hospitality entrepreneurs began asking him for help. He realized there was a need to help companies find great people, and founded Goodwin Recruiting in 1999. In 2013, with Goodwin Recruiting having grown into a successful nationwide brand, Eric turned to his roots for a new venture. He and his business partner, Scott Pulver, purchased The Friendly Toast, starting with two locations in Portsmouth, NH, and Cambridge, Mass. Now, Eric has grown The Friendly Toast to 13 locations across New England. The core values he passionately penned for his businesses are integrity; dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion; congruent relationships; extensive support; transparent communication; simplicity; and excellence. Eric is involved in numerous charitable endeavors, and was recognized as the 2015 New Hampshire Restauranteur of the Year.
Consumer Services – Small
Patrick O’Keefe, Co-owner, E-Z Test Pool Supplies
Patrick founded E-Z Test Pool Supplies in 1989 in Lawrence, Mass., with his brother, Dave. The company now operates store locations in Plaistow and Derry, NH, and North Reading, Mass., along with an online pool supplies business. Patrick was motivated toward success out of necessity early in life. At the age of 13, his father passed away and so Patrick began contributing to his family’s survival. He worked at a local pool store and eventually went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree at UMass Lowell, earning his tuition every summer. He later earned a master’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University while working full time. Patrick is a passionate reader and lifelong learner. He uses the insights he gains to support his business and his staff, helping them to expand their vision for their stores and their careers.
Financial Services – Large
Angela Strozewski, Executive VP and COO, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp
Angela began her career at The Merrimack 34 years ago and has held various finance and operational roles as her career progressed. In 2022, she was promoted to executive vice president, chief operating officer, for NHMB. She leads NHMB’s Payments Strategy Team and serves on the Board of New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH). In 2022, Angela was appointed by Governor Sununu to serve on the Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets and currently serves on the Legislative Committee of New Hampshire Bankers Association. Active in her local community, Angela is a member of the board of directors and treasurer of The Friends Program in Concord. In the past, she was a frequent volunteer preparing meals at the Friendly Kitchen in Concord and participated on Riverbend Community Mental Health’s Building Committee. She received her B.S. in financial management from Franklin Pierce University, and is a graduate of Northern New England School of Banking and the New England School of Financial Studies.
Health Care – Large
Carolyn Isabelle, System VP, Talent Acquisition and Career Development, Dartmouth Health
Driven by a passion for excellence with a people-centric focus, Carolyn leads the team responsible for sourcing, recruiting, training and developing the health care workforce that not only meets the system demands of today but anticipates and adapts to the evolving needs of tomorrow. Carolyn’s team also leads the system’s workforce housing and child care programs, and is engaged with regional and statewide efforts to address workforce barriers such as housing, child care and transportation. Carolyn holds a master’s degree in leadership, a bachelor’s in business administration and has her Professional in Human Resources certification. She represents the health system on the Advisory Board for HealthforceNH, is a regional chair for the Concord/Lakes Regional Healthcare Sector Partnership Initiative and serves on the board of Stay Work Play NH. Prior to joining Dartmouth Health in 2014, Carolyn worked for Bruce Power (Ontario, Canada), and spent close to 10 years in the hospitality industry in Western Canada and England.
Health Care – Small
Betsy Harrison & Susan Borchert, Co-founders, Counseling Associates of New London
Susan Borchert, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families. As a founding partner of Counseling Associates, she specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship concerns and career stress, with a focus on helping clients achieve personal growth. She has a background in business management as a consultant with Bain and Co. and has worked with the Goldman Sachs 100k Small Business Program. She is involved in community and student learning initiatives and has mentored graduate business school students at UNH and Dartmouth College. Betsy Harrison is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a national board-certified health and wellness coach, and a Certified Daring Way facilitator. In addition, Betsy is the director of clinical services for Geisel Counseling, a program focused on increasing access and reducing barriers to mental health and wellness supports for medical students.
Manufacturing – Large
Douglas Thomson, Vice President, Granite State Manufacturing
Doug has led new product developments for the safety and security of transportation, from ground vehicles to ships to spacecraft, for more than 30 years. In his current role, He leads the provision of numerous major systems to support U.S. Navy submarines and surface ships, and also leads all sales, program management and government relations. Prior to joining Granite State Manufacturing, Doug co-founded EcoDual, Inc., a developer of systems that converted heavy-duty diesel trucks to operate on natural gas. During his 20-year career with QinetiQ (Foster-Miller), Doug progressed through numerous roles including leading design safety programs in commercial aircraft, development of new fiber composite structures, and, ultimately, serving as director of inter-corporate growth, managing technology transfer between U.S. and U.K. operations. He began his career as a military helicopter ground test engineer for Sikorsky Aircraft. Doug earned a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Syracuse University and holds multiple patents.
Nonprofit – Large
Patrick Cate, President, Lakes Region Community College
Patrick has served as the interim president of Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) since July 2022 and was chosen as president in April 2024. He has been with LRCC since 2018, serving as associate vice president and vice president of academic and student affairs prior to his current role. Patrick has over 20 years of experience in higher education, including roles at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Rivier University in Nashua, and 17 years with Plymouth State University (PSU). Under his leadership, LRCC has continued to enhance its position as an open-access, high-quality institution of higher education, including raising funds for and launching a firefighter paramedic program, with the first graduating class achieving a 100% pass rate for the national paramedic exam. The college’s renowned culinary program grew in enrollment and quality, and was chosen twice to represent the state in Washington, D.C. at New Hampshire Day, providing an opportunity for students and faculty to showcase their talents to the U.S. Senate and staff.
Real Estate & Construction – Small
Lorianne Smith, Director of Architecture, Jewett Construction Co.
With over 30 years of experience in architecture, Lorianne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her projects. Her career spans a variety of industries, with specialized experience in designing senior living, automotive, multifamily, and educational facilities. Throughout her career, Lorianne is most proud of the architects she has mentored along the way. Many of these individuals have gone on to achieve significant success in their own right — a testament to her guidance and support. A true champion for her clients, Lorianne always strives to be a collaborative partner, dedicated to delivering on their expectations, often exceeding her client’s goals. In her free time, Lorianne enjoys tending to her prized flower garden, spending time with her four dogs, and cherishing moments with her family.
Nonprofit – Small
Maryse Wirbal, CEO, The Front Door Agency
Maryse has held her position as CEO of the Front Door Agency for the past 26 years. In her role, she has developed seven affordable housing projects, led several strategic plans into fruition, and has served the Greater Nashua community in various leadership positions, helping families facing homelessness and crisis gain the resources, education and supports needed to achieve sustainable independence. Maryse currently serves as treasurer for the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce; Trustee for the NH Center for Nonprofits; is a 25-year member of the Rotary Club of Nashua (serving as president in 2016); is an Executive Committee member for the Greater Nashua Continuum of Care; and is an advisory member of the Santander Bank Regional Community Board. Maryse was also one of the original founders of the Greater Nashua Dental Connection, and served several years on its board of directors including as its president.
Real Estate & Construction – Large
Bryan Hussey, President, Metro Walls
Bryan began his construction career at Metro Walls as a laborer in the field more than 25 years ago, and for the past 16 years, he has been responsible for the company’s sales, business operations and growth. Bryan’s growth mindset and focus on the health, development and overall direction of the company, and its people, have been instrumental in the expansion of the company’s operations over the last decade. Such success is evident in the new office locations opened, divisions and services offered and workforce growth. His passion for the industry, commitment to building long-lasting relationships and dedication to developing an exceptional team have helped take the company to new heights.
Social Equity – Small
Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, CEO, C.O.R.E. Methods
Bethany started her career path as a high school biology and earth science teacher, but found herself wanting to share her natural ability to help children and adults with conquering some of their life challenging struggles, such as anxiety, trauma, substance exposure, personality disorder, isolation, depression and hyperactivity. She excels in guiding, supporting, educating and integrating students back into academic and social environments, bringing joy and acceptance back into their lives. Her expertise is outlined in her first book, “Ease the Pain in the Classroom,” with an anticipated publication date of January 2025. Bethany holds her doctorate of arts in leadership, and is a trainer for Nurtured Heart Approach, Mandt System, anxiety management techniques, trauma-informed services, restorative practices, and is a certified children’s yoga teacher and relational frame therapist. The Behavior Bootcamp, a training program Bethany developed, addresses how to help regulate disruptive youth, based on her 25+ years’ experience and research.
Technology – Large
Jay Abendroth, President, L3Harris Technologies
Jay is president of the Integrated Vision Solutions (IVS) sector for L3Harris Technologies Communication Systems segment, which delivers high reliability, portable night vision, aiming and sighting systems for the Department of Defense, federal agencies and international allies. In his role, Jay is responsible for the management of IVS, focused on growth of the business, strategic planning and operational excellence. He initially joined L3Harris in April 2023, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Before joining L3Harris, Jay was vice president of the Mission Business Unit at Mercury Systems. In previous roles, Jay served as vice president of global program management for Mercury Systems, where he was responsible for managing a $425 million corporate program profile. Jay has also held several leadership roles at Saab Defense and Security and Lockheed Martin. Jay has a B.S. in bioengineering from Syracuse University, a master’s in systems engineering from Stevens Institute of technology and an MBA degree from Syracuse University.
Technology – Small
Jeff McPherson, Chief Digital Officer, SilverTech
With over 20 years of experience, Jeff delivers agency leadership to drive outcomes that help organizations connect with their audiences and leverage technology for growth. As chief digital officer and partner at SilverTech, he spearheads digital transformation efforts, ensuring marketing and technology services are seamlessly integrated to deliver impactful results for businesses in industries like manufacturing, utilities, financial institutions and health care. In addition to his role at SilverTech, Jeff is also partner of brand agency for Pannos Marketing based in Manchester. Jeff is a regular speaker and thought leader in the digital marketing industry. He is also a community advocate, has been involved with numerous New Hampshire nonprofits, and currently sits on the American Red Cross of New Hampshire board of directors. He is a Manchester Leadership and New Hampshire Leadership graduate and holds numerous business certifications.
