Concord, NH – On April 15, the Leadership New Hampshire (LNH) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen J. Reno as the next Executive Director of the organization.  Reno, a resident of Manchester, will begin serving in this capacity on July 1, 2010.  He stepped down as Chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire in 2009, a position he held since 2000.

Founded in 1992, Leadership New Hampshire (www.leadershipnh.org) ,is an intensive nine-month program that engages NH citizens in discussion about the challenges and leadership opportunities in the state in order to create a network of effective and knowledgeable leaders.  Reno brings to LNH over forty years experience in higher education as well as engagement in partnerships across business, professional, and government sectors across New Hampshire and nationally.

Kirk Leoni, LNH Board Chair, noted that LNH was fortunate to have a pool of exceptionally well-qualified applications and nominations, and added:  “I am very excited that Steve Reno has accepted the Executive Director’s position.  His experience in postsecondary education, as well as his commitment to New Hampshire and its future leaders, will provide an unparalleled opportunity to advance the important mission of this organization.”

Reno is currently completing several projects for the University System prior to his formal start date with LNH.
 “It is an honor to have been invited to serve Leadership New Hampshire in this capacity.  To continue LNH’s near twenty-year mission of building a community of informed leaders is an opportunity to engage talented and committed individuals who will, in their turn, contribute to our state’s respected tradition of civic engagement and personal service,” Reno said.  “I look forward to working with people across New Hampshire to further this mission and to enhance our shared social capital.”

Among Reno’s accomplishments as leader of the University System of New Hampshire, were the implementation of a student transfer articulation system between USNH and the NH Community College System, the passage of the Knowledge Economy Education Plan to enhance USNH science and technology facilities across the institutions, and the launch of the “55% Initiative” (now “Stay Work Play, NH”), a project to encourage NH graduates to begin their careers in the state.  In 2009, Reno received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Business Industry Association of New Hampshire.