MANCHESTER, NH – Will Stewart has been selected to serve as new Executive Director for StayWorkPlay, a statewide Manchester-based non-profit dedicated to encouraging 20- and 30-year-olds to stay, work and play in the Granite State.
Stewart will leave his post as President of Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce for the position, taking over at StayWorkPlay for Kate Luczko, who has led the organization since its formation in 2009.
“After an extensive search process, Will emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Stay Work Play into the future,” said Kristyn Van Ostern, co-chair of the Stay Work Play Board of Directors. “He’s a proven leader on economic development, tourism and issues important to young people, and embodies Stay Work Play’s mission. Our Board is thrilled to have Will’s expertise and skillset advocating for young workers in New Hampshire.”
Stewart, a New Hampshire transplant by way of Mississippi and Tennessee, launched a number of initiatives as president of the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, including the organization’s nonpartisan advocacy program. He represented the interests of his 350-member chamber on a range of projects, including the expansion of Interstate 93 and Exit 4A, the 633-acre Woodmont Commons mixed-use development, and the Granite State Rail Trail.
Prior to that, Stewart served as Vice President of Economic Development & AdvocacyGreater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. He is currently running for the Ward 2 Alderman seat in Manchester.
In 2016, Stewart published “An Insider’s Guide to Manchester,” a book showcasing all that is unique and interesting about the Queen City and that also articulates activities valued by Stay Work Play’s target demographic. Stewart most recently spearheaded the successful Manchester bike share initiative. The two-year pilot program engaged Manchester area residents, businesses and nonprofits by placing bike rental stations throughout the city.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Stay Work Play, which has established itself as the leading voice on what is one of our state’s most pressing issues: the need to attract and retain more young workers,” Stewart said. “I look forward to leveraging my local and regional experience to a statewide level and leading the organization through the next phase of its development by developing and executing an action-oriented agenda to meet this critical need in a real and measurable way.”
Through its website, www.StayWorkPlay.org, initiatives and advocacy, Stay Work Play promotes the retention and attraction of young talent in New Hampshire. The organization engages students at New Hampshire’s colleges and universities through programming and through its internship website, , a go-to resource for discovering thousands of employment opportunities at New Hampshire companies.
“Our board of directors is extremely grateful to Kate Luczko for her longstanding service and devotion to growing Stay Work Play from an idea to the state’s leading voice on young professional issues,” said Travis York, co-chair of the Stay Work Play Board of Directors. “We are confident that the positive momentum built over the years under Kate’s leadership will only accelerate in the future.”
Stay Work Play has facilitated the growth of 13 young professionals’ organizations throughout the state and hosts the largest gathering of young professionals at its annual Rising Stars Awards celebration. The organization actively engages with a 40-member Board of Advisors, comprised of New Hampshire’s leading business, education and nonprofit leaders.
About Stay Work Play
Stay Work Play is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is “To work collaboratively across New Hampshire to support ongoing economic, workforce, and community development by promoting the state as a favorable place for young workers and recent college graduates to stay, work and play, when considering employment and lifestyle opportunities.” Additional information on the organization can be found on the website, www.stayworkplay.org or by emailing info@stayworkplay.org.
