New Hampshire Food Bank Appointed Development Director
The appointment marks a leadership shift as the organization begins its three-year strategic plan.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in People
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The New Hampshire Food Bank named Shamera Simpson as its new Director of Development, effective August 6, 2026. Simpson takes over the role following the retirement of Nancy Mellitt, who concluded a 15-year tenure at the nonprofit.
Why it matters
The transition occurs as the organization executes its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which aims to expand the impact of its statewide network. The shift in leadership represents a critical handoff for the organization's fundraising and partner management strategy.
Shamera Simpson brings 19 years of nonprofit development experience to the role, succeeding a 15-year tenure that generated over $80 million in total funds.
The players
Shamera Simpson
The new Director of Development who brings 19 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the organization.
Nancy Mellitt
The former Director of Development who raised $80 million during a 15-year tenure before retiring in August 2026.
New Hampshire Food Bank
A statewide nonprofit organization currently executing the 2026-2029 Elevating Our Network strategic plan.
The details
Simpson will lead development efforts by managing relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners while overseeing the nonprofit's event management and community campaigns. She transitions into the role after serving as the Executive Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chapters in New Hampshire and Maine. Her work now focuses on supporting the goals outlined in the New Hampshire Food Bank's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, Elevating Our Network.
Timeline
Shamera Simpson began her role as Director of Development on August 6, 2026.
Nancy Mellitt retired from the organization at the end of August 2026.
The New Hampshire Food Bank is implementing its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
Market Landscape
The transition aligns with the launch of the New Hampshire Food Bank's 2026-2029 Elevating Our Network strategic plan. This move represents a standard leadership renewal as the organization scales its network operations over the coming three-year period.
Operators managing relationships with nonprofit partners should track the implementation of the Elevating Our Network plan to identify new opportunities for community involvement. Monitor the organization's upcoming event calendar for shifts in outreach strategy or partnership requirements.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in development signal shifts in how nonprofits prioritize donor engagement and community campaigns. Operators should review their existing charitable partnerships to ensure alignment with the incoming director's priorities and the organization's broader multi-year strategic goals.
Further reading
For more on executive shifts and organizational leadership transitions in the region, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NH Business Review.
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