Melissa Gallagher

Executive Director

Hi, I am Melissa and I first came to the Grapevine as a parent with my six month old son in 2007.  Well, I came and I never left! I got involved as a parent volunteer and then joined the Grapevine Board of Directors in 2011.  I became Chair of the Board in 2013 and assumed the position of Executive Director in 2015 after my predecessor of 18 years, Kristen (Vance) McCormick stepped down.

I am responsible for the Grapevine’s finances, day to day management and operations and overall well-being of our staff and organization. I also represent our organization on several statewide groups including as a board member of Family Support New Hampshire and a member of the NH Wellness and Primary Prevention Council.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut and my Master’s of Business Administration in Health and Humans Services from the Heller School at Brandeis University. I have spent my career working with and on behalf of families and children.  I have worked for United Way in Boston on youth advocacy initiatives, at the Providence After School Alliance in Providence, RI to build a system of out of school supports for youth and, after a move to New Hampshire in 2005, worked at the state level to advocate for policies in support of child and family well being.  

This role at the Grapevine is my dream job – it requires an amazing blend of direct service, community connection and advocacy.  I live in Hancock with my husband Mark, and two children. I think this area of NH is an ideal place to raise a family!