The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is pleased to announce the officers who will lead its Board of Directors in 2024 and welcome three new board members.
The board officers are President Dr. Shari Robinson who serves as the Assistant Vice-Provost of Student Life at the University of New Hampshire, and Vice President Tanisha Johnson who is the Child and Family Services Director for the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County. Returning in their current roles are Treasurer Katie Merrow, former Vice President for Community Impact for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and Secretary Anthony Delaney, Director of the Corporate Department at McLane Middleton Law Firm.
Dr. Shari Robinson expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to serve as the incoming Board President of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. Our mission is crucial in ensuring that the stories and contributions of Black individuals in our state are acknowledged and remembered. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated board members, volunteers, and community partners as we venture into the next chapter of our growth.”
With a background in Higher Education Administration, Robinson brings a unique perspective and skill set to the role. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is confident that under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, the organization will continue to grow and thrive.
Joining the board are Bonita Betters-Reed, L. Chris Matthews, and Andres Mejia.
Bonita Betters-Reed is a Professor Emerita at Simmons University Business School where she was also formerly a Faculty Affiliate for their Center for Gender in Organizations. She currently serves as a strategic organizational consultant dedicated to improving leadership effectiveness and sustainability primarily with nonprofit organizations that desire transformational social change.
Dr. Lowell Chris Matthews joined SNHU in 2012 and serves as a professor of Global Business and Leadership, lead of Project AIM, and director of the University Honors Program. Before coming to New Hampshire, Matthews served as director of fundraising events for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and as an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University. His research includes organizational culture, global leadership practices, and social justice and equity.
Andres Mejia is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) for a New Hampshire K-12 public school district. A current fellow at the Carsey School of Public Policy’s, New Hampshire Listens, where he served as program manager, he continues to guide the civic engagement group on its school and youth-based programs.
“We are pleased to add these talented people to the Trail’s Board of Directors,” said JerriAnne Boggis Executive Director of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. “They each bring a deep knowledge and commitment to educating our youth as well an understanding of the issues facing our state around diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Their leadership will be an asset to the organization as we continue our work of raising awareness of New Hampshire’s Black heritage to build more inclusive communities today.”
