DAVID G. SNYDER, who most recently served as director of philanthropy for the Concord Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, has been named the new executive director of the New Hampshire Bar Foundation. Snyder replaces former Executive Director Tina Abramson, who left the position in early June to spend more time with her growing family.

Snyder, of Concord, has worked in various capacities for New Hampshire non-profit organizations over the past 12 years. "The Bar Foundation Board of Directors is looking forward to working with David to continue the Foundation’s important work and to benefit from his leadership as we explore new ideas and directions," said Foundation Vice Chair Steve Scudder, who chaired the search committee for the new executive director.

Snyder served in the United States Army from 1975-1978. He earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Boston University in 1986.

From 1992-96, he served as the director of operations for the League of NH Craftsmen and coordinated all aspects of the League’s annual craft fair in Sunapee, which generated about $430,000 for the League each year.

In 1997, Snyder became the grants and information officer for the NH State Council on the Arts, which during his tenure provided over $250,00 in grants for arts activities and cultural facilities annually.

Two years ago, Snyder began focusing entirely on fundraising as the director of philanthropy for the Concord chapter of the Red Cross. Among his duties was helping to plan and coordinate the chapter’s first capital campaign.

He has served on the Concord School Board for over a year, and is a member of the board’s Negotiation, Facilities and Instruction Committees.

Naming Snyder as the NH Bar Foundation’s new executive director concludes a months-long search "for someone with proven fundraising skills and a passion for equal justice," according to the Foundation’s June issue of its newsletter Quorum. The search committee, chaired by Scudder, was composed of NHBF Board members Alan M. Cantor, Hon. James E. Duggan, NHBA President-Elect Russ Hilliard, Marilyn McNamara, Emily Rice, Richard Uchida and NHBA President Marty Van Oot.

Scudder said that the search committee received applications from some very qualified candidates, but was especially impressed by Snyder’s zeal for the work of the Bar Foundation. "David’s qualifications, background and experience were what attracted us to his application, but we were won over by his commitment, energy and enthusiasm for the Bar Foundation’s mission," he said.

"David’s well-rounded experience with fundraising, grant-making and nonprofit management was appealing to the committee. The committee also was impressed with the negotiation skills and connections to the community he has developed during his current tenure on the Concord School Board," Quorum reports.

As part of the interview process, Snyder met not only with members of the search committee, but also with members of the NH Bar Association and Foundation staff, grantees and the full Bar Foundation Board.

In looking forward to his work with the Bar Foundation, Snyder said, "The mission of the New Hampshire Bar Foundation is to promote philanthropy dedicated to ensuring that all people in our state, especially those with limited means, are able to understand and participate in the justice system. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as the executive director of an organization that has such a rich history of philanthropy in New Hampshire."

"The contributions that have been provided by Bar members and donors are critical in maintaining the funding for programs that allow access to legal assistance throughout our state. I look forward to assisting with moving our mission forward and securing the future of the Bar Foundation for generations to come," he added.

Snyder said that he hasn’t yet identified particular initiatives he’d like to undertake as the new Foundation executive director; he is busy familiarizing himself with the current work of the Foundation.

Snyder and his wife of 23 years, Judy, a nurse at Concord Hospital, have two children, David, 19, and Valerie, 16.

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