Granite United Way Welcomes Gary Long as Board of Directors Chair

Granite United Way is pleased to announce that Gary Long, President of New Hampshire Renewable Energy Policy Development for Northeast Utilities, has graciously stepped into the position of Board Chair. This January, Alexander J. Walker, Jr. from Catholic Medical Center, proudly passed the torch to Gary Long knowing that Long will continue advancing the work of the Granite United Way that he began during his time as Chair.

"I am excited to be chairing the Board of Directors at Granite United Way. I am long time supporter of United Way and truly believe that we can continue to improve the lives of those who are struggling in our community," said Long. "I’m invested in collaborating with our donors, volunteers and supporters to make lasting change happen throughout our state."

Long has served as the President and Chief Operating Officer at Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH), a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, from July 1, 2000 to August 1, 2013 upon his acceptance of his current position. Mr. Long joined PSNH in 1976 as an Assistant Engineer. His community work also includes serving in many past and current capacities, including past member of the Manchester Development Corporation board, the Amoskeag Industries board, past Chairman of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of the NH Business and Industry Association, past director of Citizens Bank- New Hampshire, past member of the board of directors of Junior Achievement of New Hampshire, past board member of the NH Business Committee for the Arts, and as a past board member of the Manchester East Catholic Regional School System. Long holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.

During the last year, Long spearheaded a strategic planning process the Granite United Way organization underwent following six mergers in just over three years. The Board of Directors is comprised of business leaders from across all six regions of New Hampshire and Vermont that Granite United Way covers.

"We are fortunate to have dedicated Board Members like Gary Long to lead our organization," said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. "His ability to envision positive outcomes for our community has paved the way for much of the important work we are doing throughout New Hampshire."

Walker continues on the Board of Directors as Immediate Past President. Vice Chair is Mark Primeau, President and CEO of Bank of New Hampshire. Primeau will become Board Chair in 2015.