Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of Saint Anselm College, is pleased to announce that U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg and New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner will lead a new advisory board for the college’s New Hampshire Institute of Politics.

The NHIOP Public Advisory Board comprises leaders in civic life, business, politics and journalism who will help the Institute expand its role in the state and national dialogue about democracy, government and the major issues facing our country. Sen. Gregg will serve as board chair and Secretary Gardner as vice chair.

The board will consist of 20 to 25 members serving three-year terms and who will advise Saint Anselm and the NHIOP on a wide of topics related to programs, development, and the future of the institute.

“I am profoundly grateful to Senator Gregg and to Secretary Gardner for agreeing to lead the NHIOP Public Advisory Board, and to the highly accomplished individuals who have committed to serve on this board,” said Father Jonathan. “I am also humbled by their support of our institute and its mission.

“Today, as we look ahead to an historic presidential election in November, we also look to a greater future for the NHIOP,” he said. “With the leadership of this new board, our executive director and the Saint Anselm faculty, I am certain the institute will expand its role as a leading center for political and civic thought, research and dialogue not only in New Hampshire, but in the nation, as well.”

Over the past year, Saint Anselm and the NHIOP have hosted four presidential primary debates, produced a poll on New Hampshire voter sentiment and sponsored election-related panels. Candidates have held campaign town meetings and forums, and made major speeches from the Institute.

“Since its inception in 2001, the NHIOP has emerged as a must-stop for state and national campaigns and as a place where the art of public service and civic engagement is not only taught but experienced,” said Sen. Gregg. “The Institute has flourished during the First in the Nation primaries and in the ‘off season’ has served as an incubator for policy discussions of some of the most important issues we face as a nation.

“I applaud Father Jonathan for his leadership with the Institute and commitment to furthering civic engagement in New Hampshire and I am pleased to join Secretary Gardner, and other extraordinary individuals to make up the first ever New Hampshire Institute of Politics Public Advisory Board,” he said.

“I am honored to serve as vice chairman of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics Public Advisory Board,” said Secretary Gardner. “It will be my pleasure to work with Sen. Judd Gregg and this impressive group of people. The NHIOP has served a vital role informing and engaging not only New Hampshire students, but citizens at large, in the democratic process. I look forward to helping continue the Institute's outstanding work.”