City of Portsmouth, NH
Karen Sawyer Conard is an experienced city manager currently serving the City of Portsmouth, NH, since January 2020. Previously, Karen held the position of Executive Director at the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission from January 2017 to January 2020. Other key roles include Director of Community Development and Planning for the City of Peabody from December 2009 to December 2016, and Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Methuen, MA, from January 2006 to December 2009. Karen's career also includes significant positions such as Chief Operating Officer at MassInnovation, LLC, and Chief of Staff at MassDevelopment. Additional experience includes leadership roles at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Office of Governor William F. Weld. Karen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from Duke University between 1986 and 1989.
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City of Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the nation’s third oldest city, is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with a stimulating mix of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, jazz clubs and distinctive artisans’ boutiques. Radiating out from Portsmouth’s iconic North Church, streets bustle with activity. The town brims with preserved historic sites including, seven National Historic Landmarks. From the striking selection of grand mansions, including the gabled former lodgings of renowned naval captain John Paul Jones to The Black Heritage Trail, a walking tour that traces the roots of African Americans in New Hampshire, Portsmouth is packed with history. Settled in 1623 at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth grew largely on its strength as a major shipbuilding center and fishing community. Four fires in the first half of the 1800s led the residents to build with brick, creating an extraordinary legacy of 19th century architecture. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt chose Portsmouth to host America’s first peace conference to end a war between two foreign powers and earned the Nobel Peace Prize for the resulting Treaty of Portsmouth. “Thanks to a longstanding commitment to historic preservation, Portsmouth, New Hampshire has never forgotten its sense of place,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “With its captivating blend of coastal beauty, historic buildings and lively downtown, there is something for every age and interest to experience.” As an employer the city remains competitive to ensure we retain the best the workforce has to offer. To accomplish this we provide comprehensive benefits including low cost medical insurance, free dental insurance, NH Retirement benefits, paid time off, holidays, education incentives, longevity bonuses, and discounts. Come discover what's great about Portsmouth and join our team: www.cityofportsmouth.com/hr/work