Recently I was recognized as one of 40 Influential Leaders by Business NH Magazine—a tremendous honor considering all the worthy nominees in this state. Although the leaders hailed from all corners of the state and represented a wide range of industries and ages, a common theme rang true with everyone on the list. As Business NH pointed out all 40 of these leaders are community builders, applying their expertise and dedication to help solve the major challenges facing NH. From educating people about the state’s diversity to funding affordable housing to subsidizing childcare costs, every one of my colleagues is making a difference for our communities.
Being chosen to lead a company is an honor, but I believe with that honor comes duty—a duty to advocate for individuals in need by addressing the barriers that prevent them from equal access. As the President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, my motto is “Everyone deserves a healthy smile.” Too many New Hampshire residents are foregoing regular dental care because of cost, or lack of childcare or transportation. For over 25 years I lobbied with other oral health stakeholders to convince the state to provide dental benefits to adult Medicaid-eligible recipients. In June 2022, the measure was approved, and on April 1, 2023, adult Medicaid recipients were finally able to receive oral health care services.
Speaking up about the importance of access to oral health care makes sense for me for obvious reasons, but I believe that we should use our voices to elevate social issues affecting our locale beyond the industry that we work in, to better our community. A personal passion of mine is mental health awareness. Like oral health care, access to mental health care is crucial for overall health and wellness.
My good friend Former Chief Justice John Broderick had a vision for destigmatizing mental health and worked tirelessly educating the public to think of, and communicate about mental health in the same compassionate and understanding ways that we do physical health. I joined him on some of his visits to New Hampshire schools where we talked to students about mental health, and I offer support whenever possible to all the fine organizations committed to improving mental health.
To all my fellow honorees, and to all leaders, let’s continue to speak up. Whether we are advocating for the physical, mental, economic, cultural or social health of our local population, it is our privilege and our civic responsibility.
