KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship (HGC), a nonprofit committed to rural economic growth in New Hampshire and beyond, has announced a leadership transition.

Long-time executive director and founder Mary Ann Kristiansen stepped down from her role Oct. 25, according to a news release from the organization.

Kristiansen has played a pivotal role in shaping the center since its founding in 2006, building HGC into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs in the Monadnock Region, the release said.

Board President Deirdre Fitzgerald expressed deep gratitude for Kristiansen’s impact, stating, “Mary Ann has been instrumental in building HGC’s reputation as a leading resource for rural entrepreneurship. We wish her every success in her future endeavors.”

The board also announced that Julianna Dodson, currently the deputy executive director and director of HGC’s Radically Rural program, will assume the role of executive director. Dodson joined the organization in 2021. Under her guidance, Radically Rural expanded from an annual conference into year-round programming that draws participants from across the U.S. and Canada.

With experience overseeing operations, finance, human resources, and programming, Dodson has been instrumental in HGC’s recent growth.

“We are confident that Julianna’s leadership will bring fresh energy and vision to HGC as we continue to support entrepreneurship and economic development across rural communities,” Fitzgerald noted.

The Hannah Grimes Center offers resources to entrepreneurs in every stage of business, from new startups to established companies. Through workshops, training programs, and peer networking, HGC has built a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for industries ranging from agriculture and retail to advanced manufacturing.