Concord - The New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits is pleased to announce the hiring of Claudia C. Damon of Concord as the Director of its new Advocacy Division.

Damon will oversee the Center’s public policy objectives and is charged with developing and implementing the Center’s advocacy education and training initiatives.  The two primary goals of the Center’s advocacy agenda are first, to increase the nonprofit community’s influence and engagement in public policy decisions that impact the entire sector and second, to strengthen the capacity of all nonprofit leaders and volunteers to effectively engage in nonprofit advocacy.

 “We are delighted that Claudia has joined us to be our Director of Advocacy.  Her experience and skills as an attorney and her lifelong participation in nonprofits as a board member, leader, beneficiary and advocate will serve the Center’s Advocacy program and overall mission well,” noted Mary Ellen Jackson, Executive Director of The Center.  “Although she will not be practicing law or providing legal advice, the position of Director of Advocacy will benefit both from Claudia’s skill set as an advocate, mediator, and educator and from her many years of involvement in the nonprofit sector.”

Damon lives her belief that what we do matters and that we must give back to the communities that give us so much.  She is a recognized community leader.  In 2009 she received the highest award given by the New Hampshire Bar Foundation for service in support of its mission to provide legal services and justice to low-income people when she was made an Honorary Fellow.   In 2006 she received the Athena award from the Greater Concord Chamber of commerce in recognition of her work to help women reach their full leadership potential, for demonstrating excellence in her profession and for serving the community to improve the quality of life.  In 1997 Damon received the Manchester Bar Association Lawyer of the Year award for contributions made to the profession and to the community.   

Damon has a long history of civic, nonprofit and community leadership. Her civic and community involvement includes service on: the Concord School Board for ten years, and as President for 4 years; Boscawen Zoning Board for 13 years, and as Chair for 12 years; currently on the Merrimack County Savings Bank Board of Directors; grant-making committees for the NH Bar Foundation (10 years) and for the Merrimack County Savings Bank Foundation; Concord Chamber of Commerce Government and Public Affairs Committee.  Claudia’s nonprofit service includes leadership positions on the following Boards of Directors: New Hampshire Legal Assistance; LARC; Kwiheed; NH Women’s Bar Association; Manchester Family YMCA; Pats Peak Educational Foundation Board of Directors; Merrimack Valley Daycare Services Board of Directors; Girls Club of Manchester. 

The NH Center for Nonprofits is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit statewide organization committed to supporting the development and success of all nonprofit organizations through education, training, and resources and working to raise the visibility of the nonprofit community through advocacy. All proceeds derived from services offered are used to support the continued programming throughout the state.