Two from Bedford Named Outstanding Women in Business

MANCHESTER, NH- At one of the most anticipated award ceremonies of the year, New Hampshire Business Review along with sponsors Eastern Bank and the Business and Industry Association honored six “Outstanding Women in Business” during a special award ceremony on Feb. 9, 2016, at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford.

“The Outstanding Women in Business Awards is a way for New Hampshire to celebrate and honor women in our communities who have excelled not only in their professional lives, but as civic leaders and role models for others,” said Jeff Feingold, editor of New Hampshire Business Review. “This year’s award recipients possess a strong, successful work ethic and extraordinary accomplishments made possible by their efforts. Their commitment, vision and talents are what make this year’s award recipients true leaders in their chosen professions.”

Also in attendance, Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, spoke to the important roles each of the night’s honorees play in encouraging young women to take on leadership positions in the state’s diverse business economy. She celebrated their successes and praised them for their inspiring careers.

“The women we are honoring tonight build on New Hampshire’s strong tradition of female leadership and working together regardless of gender, which helps to strengthen our economy and maintain the high quality of life we are known for in the Granite State,” Hassan said. “Despite the progress we have made, we know that there is still more work to do in order to encourage as many women as possible to pursue leadership positions, and each of tonight’s honorees sets a positive example for young girls and women across the state.”

Kris McCracken, Manchester Community Health Center, Bedford: While gaining experience and expertise through social work and nonprofits, Kris realized her leadership potential. Before joining Manchester Community Health Center 20 years ago, Kris worked as a domestic violence counselor, an HIV and AIDS case manager as well as a substance abuse clinician. Kris started off as a domestic violence case counselor at the Health Center and has since moved up the ranks, becoming president and CEO in 2013. To name one of her success’ just last year Kris negotiated a partnership with Catholic Medical Center to grow the hospital’s West Side Neighborhood Health Center. Kris’ colleagues stress her relationships in the community have helped the Health Center succeed.

Amy Chhom, Dyn, Bedford: Amy started her career off as a property manager and executive assistant to Dick Anagnost at Anagnost Investments in Manchester. Working for Dick opened up new doors for Amy and allowed her to further grow. Taking advantage of programs like Leadership Greater Manchester and Leadership New Hampshire, and becoming involved in community organizations lead Amy to further success. As a director of global facilities at Dyn, an Internet performance company, Amy has been able to take her business operations and staff management skills and apply them globally. Amy has brought great success to Dyn, operating Offices in the UK, Australia and Singapore. Her determination and hard work has allowed her to become a role model in a male dominated field as well as remain confident, controlled and direct in hard conversations.

Additional information on the Outstanding Women in Business Awards can be found by visiting nhbr.com/Outstanding-Women-in-Business-Awards.

Caption: Amy Chhom, left, one of six recipients of the Outstanding Business Award for Dyn, resides in Bedford. Kris McCracken, one of six recipients of the Outstanding Business Award for the Manchester Community Health Center, also resides in Bedford.