New Hampshire Recycles announces the planned departure of Reagan Bissonnette, who has been the Executive Director since 2019. The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Andrea Folsom will succeed Bissonnette as the organizationâs next Executive Director starting May 18, 2026. Folsom has served as NH Recyclesâ Education & Grants Manager since 2021. Bissonnette is leaving to start a nonprofit consulting and coaching business.
âItâs been truly rewarding to lead NH Recycles over the last seven years,â Bissonnette said. âIâm proud of what weâve built together and am grateful to our members, vendors, staff, and trustees who made it possible. As I move on to support individual nonprofits and nonprofit leaders through periods of change and growth, Iâm confident this is the right time for new leadership. The organization is in a strong position, supported by an experienced team and a committed board.â
Under Bissonnetteâs leadership, NH Recycles expanded recycling services for municipal members, modernized and streamlined operations, successfully adapted through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, created and met funding goals for operating and capital reserves, obtained its largest-ever federal grant, and rebranded by changing its name to emphasize its core service area of New Hampshire.
Bissonnette informed the board of her intention to leave NH Recycles several months ago, giving the board time to search for her successor and to ensure a smooth leadership transition. The board formed a Search Committee comprised of board officers, and after a thorough process, determined that the best individual to lead NH Recycles was already on staff.
âIâm thrilled to see Andrea Folsom step into the role of Executive Director at NH Recycles,â Bissonnette said. âHaving worked closely with Andrea for the past five years, Iâm confident in her ability to lead the organization, strengthen key partnerships, and continue advancing our mission.â
Folsom has been a key contributor to many of NH Recyclesâ successes over the past five years. As a member of the leadership team, she helped guide day-to-day operations and key strategic initiatives. Folsom has raised the organizationâs profile by leading a comprehensive rebrand of NH Recyclesâ communications, co-authoring numerous successful federal grant applications with Bissonnette, and expanding educational resources through extensive outreach to members and the public.
âIâm honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Reagan has established,â said Folsom. âNH Recycles plays a critical role in supporting municipalities, operators, and communities across New England, and I look forward to continuing that work alongside our staff, board, and members. Our focus remains on delivering practical, reliable solutions that help communities manage materials safely, efficiently, and sustainably.â
âOn behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Reagan for her thoughtful leadership and dedication to NH Recycles,â said Board President Joan Cudworth. âHer tenure leaves the organization in a stronger financial position than at any point in its 45-year history. We are excited to welcome Andrea as the next Executive Director and look forward to building on this momentum under her leadership.â