Celebrating 101 Years of Dedication: Meet Our Human Resources Team

As Bank of New Hampshire celebrates a remarkable milestone — 101 years of combined service amongst our Human Resources team — we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible individuals who have dedicated their careers to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Join us in celebrating the stories, experiences and insights of our HR team members: Gayle Price, Karen Seymour, Kim Pelletier, Lisa Byars and Jen Dunleavy.

Gayle Price: Executive Vice President — Chief Human Resources Officer

A Pillar of Experience and Wisdom

Official Hire Date: May 21, 1984 — Celebrating 40 years of service

• How did you get started in HR?
  I began employment with the Bank when we had less than 50 employees, and actually I believe I am employee #46. I was attending college at the time and my schedule changed, requiring me to student teach during the days and work late afternoons in the Bank’s Personnel Department to assist with recordkeeping, compliance, payroll processing and clerical support. Upon graduation, I stayed with the Bank, teaching adults in banking principals, business practices, typing and basic accounting.
• What drew you to BNH?
  I’m very much a “people person,” so it seemed like a good fit for me! Plus, it was a local company, and I had an interest in banking and the opportunities it presented.
• What do you enjoy most about your role?
  I enjoy the opportunity to contribute to developing and supporting our employees. Mentoring individuals and helping them learn about themselves through the tools and resources we offer is incredibly fulfilling.
• What are some exciting changes seen over the years?
  Right now, we are in one of the most exciting time periods as we redefine ourselves in brand, building and leadership, with an unprecedented level of passion to succeed at every level. 
• Best perks of working for BNH?
  BNH offers opportunity for anyone who is looking to advance. The support for personal and professional growth is unmatched.
• Advice for newcomers?
  Remain open and flexible to opportunities presented, learn as much as you can about the company and take ownership of your own responsibilities. Be great no matter how small or large the task, project or initiative is – it will show and people will notice. And most of all, be kind and selfless.

Karen Seymour: HR Administrator/Wellness Coordinator

A Journey of Connection and Engagement

Official Hire Date: July 22, 1994 — Celebrating 30 years of service

• How did you get started in HR?
  I worked in HR for a Bank called HomeBank that was acquired by Laconia Savings Bank (now BNH), which is how I started my journey here.
• What drew you to BNH?
  I had always heard great things about the Bank, including its culture and values, which attracted me to join the team.
• What do you enjoy most about your role?
  I love interacting and engaging with employees. It’s incredibly rewarding to build relationships and see the positive impact of our work.
• Exciting changes seen over the years?
  The most exciting change I have seen is the company culture. The way our organization treats and supports our employees creates a happy and engaged environment.
• Best perks of working for BNH?
  There are so many perks working for BNH — the employees being number one! BNH also offers tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, training and development, employee recognition and wellness programs!
• Advice for newcomers?
  Always be positive and willing to learn and grow. The banking industry is ever-evolving, and staying curious will help you thrive.

Kim Pelletier: Payroll & HRIS Manager

Balancing Work and Family

Official Hire Date: January 26, 2004 — Celebrating 20 years of service

• How did you get started in HR?
  When working as a third-shift machine operator in northern Maine, the office manager asked if I would work as her assistant and I have been in HR ever since!
• What drew you to BNH?
  At the time, my daughter was young and I was looking for a stable job that allowed me to spend more time with her. BNH provided that perfect balance.
• What do you enjoy most about your role?
  I love what I do in my job here at BNH. I really appreciate the team I work with, and the sense of fulfillment from helping employees is unmatched.
• Exciting changes seen over the years?
  The continued efforts in making BNH the employer of choice through enhanced employee benefits and engagement programs have been exciting to witness. The Bank is continuously looking for ways to be better not only for their customers, but their employees too.
• Best perks of working for BNH?
  There is a culture of community involvement and support that makes working here incredibly rewarding. Our Banking of Kindness efforts through matching donations and paying employees to volunteer their time is incredible. Also, there are endless opportunities to learn when working here! It shows that BNH values us as employees.  
• Advice for newcomers?
  Be enthusiastic, keep learning and have a positive attitude. Your energy and outlook will shape your career.

Lisa Byars: Vice President — Human Resources Officer

Building Relationships and Connections

Official Hire Date: March 3, 2014 — Celebrating 10 years of service

• How did you get started in HR?
  My career journey in HR dates back to 1991 when I became the HR Assistant for HomeBank. With no prior experience, I was working full-time and began taking college classes part time in the evenings to help advance my knowledge of HR. This is when I discovered my passion for the diversity that HR has to offer and building strong connections with people.
• What drew you to BNH?
  The people — I knew Gayle and Karen. The culture and the opportunity to work with such dedicated individuals resonated with me and the Bank’s positive reputation in the community drew me in.
• What do you enjoy most about your role?
  Building relationships by forming connections with employees and helping them succeed in their careers, all while contributing to the Bank’s strategic goals and aligning HR practices with business objectives. It’s all very rewarding!
• Exciting changes seen over the years?
  While it’s hard to pinpoint just one, the evolution of HR over the years has been both challenging and fun to be a part of. HR has experienced exciting changes driven by technological advancements and evolving workplace dynamics. There is also a growing focus on creating a positive employee experience through community involvement, wellness programs, flexible work arrangements and career development.
• Best perks of working for BNH?
  Educational assistance and the empowerment to continuously learn and grow professionally. Thanks to BNH, I am a proud 2022 graduate of Granite State College (UNH College of Professional Studies) with a Bachelors in Human Resources Administration.  
• Advice for newcomers?
  Be open. Your career path will not be linear, but with flexibility and openness, you’ll find success. Foster good people connections because these connections are critical to your career growth and progression. And always maintain that work-life balance!

Jen Dunleavy: Human Resources Generalist

Passionate About People

Official Hire Date: April 10, 2023 — Celebrating 1 year of service

• How did you get started in HR?
  I started in college as a Finance/Accounting major but quickly realized my passion for working with people and transitioned to HR.
• What drew you to BNH?
  BNH has a great reputation in the community, and I was drawn to the opportunity to be part of a reputable and supportive organization. In addition to being a customer, I had worked here in the late 1990s as a part-time Bank Services Representative while I was going to college.
• What do you enjoy most about your role?
  By far, it’s the people that I interact with every day. Being new to the Bank just over a year ago, the sense of community and teamwork is amazing.
• Exciting changes seen over the years?
  The construction of our new headquarters, which signifies growth and future opportunities for the Bank.
• Best perks of working for BNH?
  There are so many to choose from! The High Five Crew does an amazing job recognizing employees and fostering a positive work environment. Plus, the ability to volunteer at the Bank NH Pavilion for concerts is an awesome perk!
• Advice for newcomers?
  Show up — not just physically, but mentally. Really engage with your work and be present.

Our HR team’s combined experience is a testament to their dedication and passion for fostering a thriving work environment at Bank of New Hampshire. Their stories reflect the heart of our institution — where every employee is valued, and every contribution is recognized. Here’s to celebrating 101 years of exceptional service and looking forward to many more!

Photo Caption: (from left to right) Jen Dunleavy, Kim Pelletier, Karen Seymour, Lisa Byars and Gayle Price

EEO/AA M | F | Vets | Disability Employer