city of rochester

Rochester Fills Deputy City Manager and Economic Development Director Vacancies

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  City of Rochester
Blaine Cox, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 24, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Fills Deputy City Manager and Economic Development Director Vacancies

ROCHESTER — City Manager Blaine Cox is pleased to announce that Rochester has filled two key positions at City Hall.

Katie Ambrose has accepted the position of Deputy City Manager and will begin in that role on July 1, while Michael Scala will assume his new role as the city’s Economic Development Director on June 1.

“Katie and Michael will fill two vital roles for our city, and both bring with them the diverse backgrounds, skill sets, experiences and ideas that Rochester needs to continue its growth,” City Manager Cox said. “I have no doubt that they will make an immediate impact on our city, and that our residents and businesses will benefit tremendously from their leadership and contributions.”

Ambrose, who currently serves as the Town Administrator in Sanbornton, comes to Rochester following a six year career in municipal government. As Town Administrator, Ambrose has overseen Sanbornton’s budgeting process, supervised its procurement and policy implementation processes and has played a hands-on role in the development of fellow staff members.

Prior to joining Sanbornton, she worked as a Project Coordinator for the Town of Hooksett, where she conducted research and implemented special projects, including open data initiatives and an analysis of the town’s economic development efforts. Ambrose also administered and coordinated grant programs, as well as the preservation of Old Town Hall and the implementation of a Neighborhood Heritage District grant and tax increment financing. She played a key role in supporting Hooksett’s information technology infrastructure.

Ambrose earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a master’s degree in natural resources from the University of New Hampshire. She fills a post vacated by Cox upon his promotion to City Manager.

Scala joins Rochester following nearly four years as the Executive Director of the Coös Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). There, he oversaw day-to-day operations for the organization and helped it expand upon its work fostering job creation and retention as well as supporting small businesses through the use of commercial loans, technical assistance and grants.

Since 2015, Scala has earned several grants and loans from a diverse group of organizations in order to help fund economic development in northern New Hampshire. He also developed the proposed $8 million commercial, residential and workforce-oriented revitalization in downtown Whitefield.

His background includes experience in the restaurant, manufacturing and hospitality industries, and Scala also served as a special assistant to former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte prior to joining the CEDC.

He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. Scala will fill the post that had been occupied for the last 15 years by Karen Pollard.

Maple Street Magnet School and Riverwalk Committee Continuing Work to Enhance Cocheco River and Hanson Pines Trails

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  City of Rochester
Blaine Cox, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Maple Street Magnet School and Riverwalk Committee Continuing Work to Enhance Cocheco River and Hanson Pines Trails

ROCHESTER — Some of Rochester’s youngest scientists paid a visit last week to check in on progress toward new outdoor classrooms and other amenities in the Hanson Pines and Cocheco River area.

Last spring, Maple Street Magnet School students reached out to Rochester’s Riverwalk Committee to forge a partnership that will help develop portions of the Cocheco River and Hanson Pines areas into outdoor learning spaces.

Since then, students have conducted fundraising, brainstormed ideas and contributed to planning and design of outdoor classroom spaces. The Riverwalk committee is working closely with students to identify options for other new installations, which will ultimately require the approval from the Hanson Pines Trustees and the City Council.

Students will take on an active role in navigating the approval process by presenting to the two boards and defending their proposals publicly.

On Wednesday, April 3, students and members of the committee visited those areas as a first step in the next phase of a year-long project. There they discussed ways to incorporate hands-on learning that would allow students to better connect with nature in their own community.

“When we heard about the Riverwalk Committee’s efforts to create outdoor learning spaces along the riverwalk, we knew we had to offer our newfound expertise and enthusiasm to this community project,” said fourth grade teacher Sara Cantrell. “One of the most exciting things about this project has been how closely our students’ ideas have aligned with those of the committee.”

Students have developed several ideas, which they’ll continue to work on with the committee to build upon and determine how to make them a reality. Some of their ideas included places to climb, an obstacle course, a bird watching station, science center, information stations and signage.

“One of the goals of the Rochester Riverwalk Committee has always been to incorporate aspects that can be utilized by the Rochester School District as part of its curriculum,’ Committee Chair Stacey Marchionni said. “Connecting children to the outdoors and getting them outside to learn, do hands-on projects and enjoy their natural surroundings is a huge part of our work to make these areas a true community asset.”

As part of the group’s next steps, they have identified options for outdoor classroom layouts and are working to identify and install signage that will inform visitors of all ages about the environment, wildlife and natural elements that surround them on the trails.

“We are delighted that the Maple Street Magnet School has embraced this project, as has Spaulding High School,” Marchionni added, “and we look forward to working with the teachers and students to bring this aspect of the Riverwalk project to fruition.”

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*Media Advisory* Rochester Community Members Invited to Discuss City’s Transportation Master Plan

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  City of Rochester
Blaine Cox, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 1, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

*Media Advisory*

Rochester Community Members Invited to Discuss City’s Transportation Master Plan

ROCHESTER — City Manager Blaine Cox and Planning and Development Director Jim Campbell wish to invite residents to the first of two public discussions on Rochester’s Transportation Master Plan.

WHEN:

Thursday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Belknap Room at the Frisbie Memorial Hospital Conference Center, 11 Whitehall Road, Rochester

WHAT:

Members of the community are encouraged to attend Thursday’s meeting to share their thoughts on existing transportation conditions in Rochester, as well as their vision for options and improvements they would like the city to prioritize in the future.

The meeting is designed to serve as an open forum where residents, business owners, property owners and city officials can share their ideas about the future of transportation in Rochester. City consultant VHB will present information to attendees and collect input and ideas through a workshop format.

“This is a great opportunity for all of the stakeholders in our community to take on an active role in planning for our shared future,” City Manager Cox said. “I expect that these sessions will contribute to a robust master plan that’s inclusive of diverse, 21st century transportation options that will best serve our community.”

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Rochester Farmers Market Names New Manager for 2019

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  City of Rochester
Blaine Cox, City Manager
31 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Farmers Market Names New Manager for 2019

ROCHESTER — City Manager Blaine Cox is pleased to announce that the Rochester Farmers Market has named a new manager for the 2019 season.

Rochester resident Vicky Poland has taken on the responsibilities of overseeing the Farmers Market. For the past ten years Poland has organized and managed numerous events in the greater seacoast area. Along with her new role as Market Manager,
she will continue in her existing roles as entertainment manager for the Deerfield, Belknap and Stratham Fairs, as well as the Hampton Seafood Festival and Wings and Wheels Rochester.

Poland will take over for two Farmers Market founders, Jeanne Grover and Alicia Frye, who had committed to manage the organization through the 2018 season. The pair also founded the Vouchers for Veterans program, which they are now working to expand throughout Strafford County.

“I am looking forward to helping build upon the excellent market that has come to be a staple of summers in Rochester,” Poland said. “I’m also grateful for the foundation that Jeanne and Alicia have laid during their time as managers of the market, and I hope to meet as many Rochester residents as possible at this year’s events.”

The market will be held every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. at the Rochester Commons, starting June 11 and continuing through Sept. 24. As in past years, the market will feature both a variety of quality vendors and diverse live entertainment options.

“We are very excited to welcome Vicky as the manager for 2019,” City Manager Cox said. “She is a great choice for the market, and we’re all confident that the market will continue to thrive and expand under her stewardship.”

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