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Laurel Adams
REDC President Laurel Adams passed away suddenly on July 20, 2025. This loss brought profound sorrow to those who knew her.
This webpage is dedicated to her memory, highlighting her tremendous impact and achievements.
Laurel’s compassion, vision, and creativity were an inspiration during her nearly 25 years at REDC. She was a dedicated advocate for small businesses and passionate about making New Hampshire a better place to live and work for people of all backgrounds. REDC’s remarkable growth and impact over the years across all categories: businesses supported, services offered, funding sources, partners, and staff, is the direct result of Laurel’s leadership.
One of Laurel’s favorite words was the Japanese word ikigai, a broad concept that refers to that which brings value and joy to life. Laurel displayed this diagram, from the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, in her office. It was so important to her because she knew without a doubt that the work she did at REDC was her ikigai.
A Champion for Small Businesses
Laurel oversaw REDC’s operations and worked with many NH Stakeholders to help identify challenges facing NH’s small businesses. She worked in economic development for over two decades and received her CEcD in 2004 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
As the President of the REDC, Laurel managed REDC’s vast loan programs, financing, grant development, fundraising, CEDS development, and strategic planning. The depth and diversity of REDC’s programs are unique in NH, and this is due to Laurel’s vision and drive.
Laurel underwrote millions of dollars in loans, which directly led to more than 1,000 jobs created and many more retained throughout the region. She successfully applied for and oversaw the administration of three Intermediary Relending Programs (IRP) loans from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2004. She oversaw both planning and public work grants for the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) and was awarded the first Brownfield’s Revolving Loan Fund Grant in NH from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Laurel regularly applied for and administered Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) through the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). Through her vision, REDC started offering microenterprise services in 2014, offering microloans and technical assistance to small companies in need.
From 2012 to 2014, Laurel fundraised and oversaw the construction of the new LEED Certified REDC Business Development and Training Center Building, located at 57 Main Street, Raymond, NH. This center is a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs, existing businesses, lenders, and community leaders seeking financial and technical assistance to help them stimulate economic activities and community development.
Groundbreaking, construction, and completion of the REDC Training Center in Raymond, NH.
In 2015, Laurel was responsible for REDC becoming a designated Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) institution, and in 2016, REDC was awarded a one-million-dollar award through the CDFI FA Program, which was part loan and part grant to be used for investment in low-income and economically distressed communities. In 2017, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) designated REDC as an SBA Microloan Program Intermediary Lender and provided a loan of $250,000 to be lent to small businesses. REDC has since received three subsequent loans from the SBA, for a total of $2.3 million.
In 2015, Laurel participated in a C-SPAN televised roundtable discussion with Hillary Clinton at Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton, NH. Along with other members of the local small business community, Laurel had the opportunity to discuss expanding access to capital for small businesses and what NH entrepreneurs were experiencing in their journey to funding.
Laurel Adams, Peter Egelston, and Hillary Clinton in a discussion on C-SPAN.
In 2018, Laurel helped develop and manage a loan fund in the Greater Concord Community aimed at helping New Americans (first-generation immigrants) start and grow their businesses. This fund then expanded into a state-wide fund operated by REDC, known as the New Hampshire New Americans Loan Fund. This program supports business development and job creation via micro-lending and free technical assistance for new Americans in the state of New Hampshire. Laurel propelled the fund forward each year by generating community support for the fund through CDFA's tax credit program.
Laurel Adams speaking at press conference regarding the NH New Americans Loan Fund.
Laurel Adams with the owners of La Bonne Semence at their New Americans Loan Fund loan closing.
When the COVID-19 emergency emerged, Laurel sprang into action to support REDC’s clients through the crisis. Along with assisting clients in finding relief funds, REDC processed dozens of deferrals and emergency loans to help NH businesses. REDC was an administrator of the CDBG-CV Microenterprise Direct Grant Program, providing 80 $2,500 grants to micro businesses that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Laurel saw the need for even more aid to clients and applied for – and received – a grant from the EDA to support a two-year Disaster Recovery Coordinator position at REDC. This position helped communities and companies access resources as they planed for and recovered from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
In 2021, Laurel oversaw REDC’s absorption of the Coastal Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). This merger streamlined lending and technical assistance services under one organization and reduced overhead administrative costs.
In 2022, Laurel led REDC into a partnership with Kiva, an international non-profit that aims to expand financial access to underserved communities in the U.S. through zero-interest crowdfunded loans, to become the official Kiva Hub for the state of New Hampshire. This new financing resource for small NH businesses is often the first rung on the capital ladder, and it empowers businesses by providing much-needed, relatively small loans, giving people the chance to help spur growth in the communities where they live.
From 2023 to 2025, Laurel administered the CDFA Microenterprise Direct Grant program, which provided equipment grants to small businesses. This created opportunities for start-ups and small businesses in New Hampshire to develop and thrive, ultimately contributing to the economic prosperity of our region.
To celebrate REDC’s 30th year serving small businesses in 2024, Laurel launched the THRIVE Business Competition series, a collection of competitions that provided money and momentum to help growing small businesses thrive in New Hampshire. Four competitions, including the Business Plan Competition, the Green Business Competition, the Arts and Cultural Business Competition, and the Video Pitch Competition, awarded a total of $30,000.
Laurel Adams presenting a check to One Lane Studios, one of the four winners of the THRIVE Grant Business Competitions.
In 2024, Laurel developed and launched the Building Roots Home Fund. This loan fund supports the development of new housing units, with a focus on workforce housing for low-to moderate-income persons. The Fund provides loans from $500,000 to $3,000,000 to developers who are developing projects with at least 20% of the units available to people earning 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Preference is given to projects with a higher percentage of affordable units.
Through all her efforts, Laurel was dedicated to ensuring that REDC is responsive to the needs of New Hampshire businesses. REDC always strives to make financing more accessible for all businesses that face challenges with financing, such as those owned by women, minorities, new Americans, and lower-income individuals, to grow and thrive.
Laurel was recognized in 2025 for her tremendous work when she was named Nonprofit Leader of the Year by New Hampshire Business Magazine. She received many awards previously, including the New Hampshire 200 from New Hampshire Business Magazine, the Daniel Quinlan Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community and Regional Planning, SBA Financial Services Champion, and a 40 Under 40 Recipient from the Union Leader. REDC, as an organization, also received numerous awards under Laurel’s leadership.
Beyond those accomplishments, Laurel was known for her generosity, empathy, and perseverance.
Laurel Adams giving her acceptance speech for the Nonprofit Leader of the Year award at the New Hampshire Business Magazine's award event.
Holistic Support
Laurel often recognized that one of the keystones to a growing economy is making free technical assistance available to individuals looking to start or grow a business. She believed in this principle so deeply, that everyone at REDC offers free technical assistance to businesses in need, whether it be the REDC accountant, offering guidance on accounting and QuickBooks, to the REDC graphic designer providing free graphic design, website design, and marketing advisement to clients just starting out who are not in the position to pay a design firm. And of course, we offer the typical business planning and projection counseling familiar to many. Laurel often shared the quote, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” in relation to the holistic approach REDC takes with technical assistance.
This level of service and dedication to small businesses is something Laurel was constantly evaluating and working to improve upon, based on the economic climate and needs of the community, allowing REDC to be a leader in the field. Because of REDC’s work with the annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) publication, an annual report REDC creates and produces in accordance with their annual EDA grant, Laurel kept a keen eye on the state of New Hampshire, monitoring demographic changes in our state. The New Hampshire New Americans Loan Fund, the Building Roots Home Fund, and REDC’s Microloan program are all prime examples of her developing programs in response to the needs of the region and state.
Laurel Adams with REDC clients, Auspicious Brew and Pressed for Time Mobile Cafe.
Laurel Adams presents a check to the Town of Hudson for Zach's Field Stadium, a Brownfields project.
Laurel Adams with REDC clients Shaping Grains.
Supporting the Team
Laurel not only grew the staff of REDC, but also advocated for competitive wages and benefits for her employees, ensuring the people who work hard for REDC’s mission were compensated adequately. Laurel shared how she kept a great team at REDC by holding itself to a competitive standard in an op-ed article she wrote in 2023, Worker Retention Strategies. Many of her strategies shared in this article include organizational values, professional development, team building, healthy boundaries for work-life balance, bonuses and rewards, prioritizing mental and physical health, and even having a dog-friendly office.
Beyond the traditional means of supporting her employees, Laurel was generous and compassionate. Many staff members can recall times when they were experiencing personal life struggles, and Laurel was the first one there to help, lend an ear, and do all that she could to help them. She believed in a “family comes first” mentality, and that was evident in the care she gave to her team.
Laurel Adams with her staff over the years at holiday and team-building events.
Laurel enjoyed working with the many volunteers who governed and supported REDC, including its Board of Directors, Credit Committee, and CEDS Committee. She respected and valued their ideas, experience, knowledge, and feedback.
Laurel Adams with the REDC Board of Directors.
Laurel Adams speaking at a REDC CEDS Meeting.
Family First
Laurel was the loving mother of Jake Thomas, Tyler Charles, and Zachary Joseph Bistany —the pride and joy of her life. Her fierce love, unwavering support, and warm presence were the bedrock of her family, and she nurtured them with grace and unending love. She was also the adored daughter of Merri and Stephen Keenan, whose values of integrity, perseverance, and kindness she carried with her in all that she did. She was a dedicated and compassionate niece, cousin, and friend to many, and a devoted “pet mom” to Duke, Daisy, and Zoe.
Laurel will be remembered most for her warmth, intelligence, and generosity of spirit. She had a gift for making those around her feel seen and valued. Whether at a board meeting, a school or community event, or around the dinner table, Laurel led with heart and humility.
She was a passionate traveler, having visited many countries on five of the seven continents. In addition to her exotic travels, she enjoyed golf, crafting, and knitting.
Laurel Adams with her dogs, Duke and Daisy.
Words of Remembrance
We invite folks who knew Laurel to share thoughts and memories of her in the comments below.
Comments (8)
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Not only was Laurel an amazing boss, but she was also a wonderful friend and mentor during my time at REDC. I was truly fortunate to have had a first boss like Laurel, who cared deeply for underserved communities and believed that everyone should have equal access to resources. Her kindness, guidance, and passion touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed.
-Augustine Niyonzima
Laurel was an amazing boss, a dear friend, and a true hero. Professionally, she gave me the freedom to grow, the grace to make mistakes, and the confidence to lead. I was constantly in awe of her outside-of-the-box thinking and compassionate approach to solving problems. Personally, she supported me through some difficult challenges and celebrated with me many of my family's milestones. I am going to miss Laurel tremendously.
-Jen Kimball, REDC CEDS Planner
To watch Laurel run an REDC board meeting was something special. Her command of the current loan landscape was broad and yet if asked a question, she could get into the weeds immediately. She frequently brought new ideas to the board, always based in community need, all deeply researched, clearly defined against our Mission, and with her typical foresight and energy, all beautifully and successfully implemented.
It was a joy and an honor to work in her glow.
Dianne Connolly
Vice Chairman
REDC Board of Directors
I always enjoyed watching our friend soar to successful heights through all life's challenges. Laurel was a great example of hard work and perseverance. She has certainly left a legacy although way too soon. I really enjoyed reading through her yearbooks of REDC successes. May we find strength in the motivation standards she has set forth. Laurel is missed.
Laurel was so much more than a colleague, she was my dear friend. For more than 20 years we worked closely with each other - the last 4 years of which I was blessed to work by her side. Her impact on the citizens of the State of New Hampshire is immense, and will be felt for generations through strong businesses, good jobs, affordable housing, and services for the underserved. Her impact on REDC is immeasurable and her legacy will be felt each and every time someone walks through REDC's doors. The care, loyalty, and encouragement she gave to her staff was far above anything I have ever experienced in the workplace, and she never wavered in her commitment to build others up. She was courageous, brilliant, caring, and strong. Those qualities - and that unique combination - will be carried in our hearts forever, inside and outside the walls of REDC.
Dan Gray
REDC
Laurel was a light in my life. During a time of great change, she offered encouragement, compassion, openness, support, and guidance. She reminded me of the importance of taking up space and pushing back with grace. Her presence left an imprint on my heart, and we will continue to push forward, carrying her spirit with us.
– Liz Salas, REDC Business Advisor
Laurel was a brilliant woman and a courageous leader with a heart of gold that would do anything for those she cared about. Her faith in me as an employee and her care and concern for me as a friend impacted my life both professionally and personally and will continue to inspire me for years to come.
– Angel Paradis, REDC Office Manager and Loan Coordinator
Laurel was a mentor to me, beyond being a boss and friend. She believed in me and encouraged me to grow in so many parts of my life. She was such a creative thinker, making the impossible possible. I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunities, compassion, and friendship she gave me.
– Laura Harper Lake, REDC Graphic Designer and Design Advisor