REDC Board of Directors Appoints Daniel Gray as President and Stephanie Santos as Executive Vice President

Following the sudden passing of long-term President, Laurel Adams, on July 20, 2025, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) Board of Directors has named Daniel Gray as President and Stephanie Santos as Executive Vice President.

The REDC team grieves the loss of Laurel as a friend, colleague, and leader who led the organization with distinction for nearly 25 years. Its staff and Board will wholeheartedly continue to serve the REDC mission in honor of Laurel’s legacy.

“Laurel will forever be the person most associated with REDC, and she is directly responsible for creating a strong, dynamic, and creative economic development corporation that improves the economy of New Hampshire and the lives of its residents,” said Dan Gray. “I am humbled by the Board’s decision; I accept the responsibility with a heavy heart and a keen sense of wanting to continue Laurel’s amazing legacy. She was a colleague and a friend, and I will continuously draw from the lessons learned working together with her for more than 20 years. REDC is comprised of a brilliant staff and a dedicated and committed Board of Directors. I am certain that together we can navigate the changed landscape in which REDC finds itself. Adding Stephanie Santos – a seasoned commercial lender and community development advocate – to such a vital role at REDC is a bright spot during an otherwise very difficult time.”

Dan Gray is a lifelong resident of the NH Seacoast. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from The American University in Washington, DC. Since 2021, he has served as REDC’s Executive Vice President, and for 20 years prior to that, he was President of the Coastal Economic Development Corporation. He has served on many related boards, including multiple terms as Chairman of the Community Development Finance Authority, as well as Chairman of the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council.

Stephanie Santos has over 13 years of experience in community banking, financial analysis, and small business lending. She holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Plymouth State University. Stephanie was formerly the Senior Vice President and Business Banking Director at Newburyport Bank. Her role as a Small Business Administration (SBA) specialist has allowed her to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of business loans and government programs. She most recently served as the Board Chair for the Great Bay Kids Company, and formerly served on REDC’s Board of Directors for two years.