Three FedPoint Employees Graduate from Leadership Seacoast

Portsmouth, NH (November 30, 2020)—FedPoint^® is pleased to announce that three of its employees graduated from Leadership Seacoast’s Class of 2020.

Graduating were Corporate Development and Training Specialist Erica Crosbie; Team Leader, FLTCIP Customer Service Call Center Don Mallett; and Manager of Education & Outreach Matthew Piper.

The mission of Leadership Seacoast is to develop a base of effective, knowledgeable, and engaged community members through the exploration of community issues and opportunities for personal involvement.

Over the course of the program, Crosbie, Mallett, and Piper, along with their classmates, heard from experts in a variety of fields on topics such as health and human services, education, government, and criminal justice. They also gained insight into how business, community, and politics can integrate and form societies to effectively confront regional challenges.

"Each day of the program provided an in-depth opportunity to learn about the interconnecting issues facing the Seacoast region. But more importantly, it allowed us to explore the actions we as individuals can take to solve them," Crosbie said of her experience in the program.

"It is a privilege to learn from leaders who have dedicated themselves to making a difference. This program reset my understanding of what commitment to community looks like," Piper said.

The program year began in January onsite, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the class to shift to virtual program days in March. An in-person graduation was held November 18 at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, with only members of the class and board members in attendance, while observing social distancing and COVID guidelines. Those wishing to attend graduation and cheer on the class were able to do so virtually.

"I truly enjoyed the Leadership Seacoast training. I felt the program days were well-organized, well-executed, and highlighted the incredible challenges faced by our Seacoast communities. It was a truly eye opening and sometimes overwhelming experience," Mallett said.

Executive Director Lori Waltz-Gagnon commended the Class of 2020’s ability to pivot to virtual program days and take on the challenge without hesitation.

"I think you were selected to be part of this class for a reason. I truly believe that this was the time for you to participate in Leadership Seacoast because you could endure the storm we just went through," Waltz-Gagnon said. "You have shown strength and grace. You have shown dedication and commitment. I cannot wait to see how each of you take what you have discovered and the connections you take from here."

To date, 11 FedPoint employees have graduated from Leadership Seacoast. To support employees' civic engagement, FedPoint provides full tuition for its employees who are accepted into the program and is also a program-day sponsor each year.

To learn more about Leadership Seacoast, visit leadershipseacoast.org.