MANCHESTER) June 4-J. Michael Hickey, president and CEO of Verizon NH, has been named the new chair of New Hampshire Public Television's Board of Governors. Outgoing Chair Jane A. Truelove welcomed Hickey and honored departing Board members Stephen P. Barba, L. Douglas O'Brien, and University of New Hampshire President Joan R. Leitzel in a ceremony at Verizon's Manchester headquarters."I'm honored to succeed Jane Truelove who has been a great leader and spark plug for this organization," said Hickey, who had been serving as the Board's vice chair. "The caliber of our Board members, the staff, and the commitment of community leaders who support NHPTV is extraordinary. I look forward to working closely with (NHPTV General Manager and CEO) Peter Frid to continue building the relationships that bring valuable NHPTV programs and services to communities across our state and region."William Sturtevant, the administrator of the Rockingham County Nursing Home, becomes vice chair. The Board's new secretary is Nury Marquez, community relations manager at Public Service of New Hampshire.Truelove, who will continue to serve on the Board, thanked her colleagues and the NHPTV staff for their support. "NHPTV continues to renew my faith that we can provide excellent educational and cultural programs and services, even during times as difficult as this past year. I believe NHPTV will play a significant role in the New Hampshire community for many years to come," she said.Leitzel's departure coincides with her retirement from UNH, NHPTV's licensee. Frid told the Board, "President Leitzel has been a terrific advocate for us, and we will miss her leadership." Barba, a former Board chair, is the president of The Balsams Corporation in Dixville Notch. He was cited for his work in bringing full NHPTV service to the northern-most part of the state and helping the pubcaster in its marketing and promotion efforts. O'Brien, of Bow, is president of The Grappone Companies. He was commended for his financial management leadership on the Board. In other business, Rich Ashooh and David Sundman joined the NHPTV Board. Ashooh is vice president of public affairs at BAE Systems in Nashua. Sundman is the president of Littleton Coin Company.The Board passed a resolution honoring Ron Caissie of Nottingham who served as Auction co-chair from 2000 to 2002.
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