Charlene Baxter Receives 2026 Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award

Since 2014, Charlene has advocated for 15 children and youth and has served as a peer mentor for 15 cases involving 23 additional children. Her mentorship has been instrumental in helping new advocates gain confidence as they begin their CASA journey, and she has remained connected with many mentees long after their cases have closed.

Charlene has dedicated more than 2,500 hours, driven over 15,000 miles, and completed more than 166 hours of professional development. She has a natural ability to balance appropriate boundaries and professionalism with genuine compassion and belief in the goodness and potential of others. Charlene’s humility, calm demeanor, wisdom, and steadfast dedication have made her a trusted and respected advocate and leader within our Sullivan County team as well as Sullivan County’s Family Treatment Court.

For more than two years, Charlene has been a fierce advocate for two young children who were removed from their parents due to deplorable living conditions, substance misuse, and parental neglect. Both children were placed in separate residential treatment facilities, and Charlene is the only consistent adult who stayed by their side throughout the case. There have been multiple service workers assigned to the case, which makes Charlene’s knowledge and history with the children invaluable.

Charlene understands that advocacy begins with simply being present. She allows space for children to trust her at their own pace, and she finds ways to connect with them through humor, honesty, and playfulness. She has played an integral role in supporting the children in her current case through their parents termination of parental rights, offering a safe and honest space for them to process and share difficult feelings. She has been actively involved in preparing them for their transition into a pre-adoptive home, welcoming them at the home during visits, and joining them for a tour of their new school.

The children have frequently called Charlene from their residential programs to express frustration, share excitement, or simply connect with someone they trust.

Charlene invests countless hours and her whole heart into the children she serves. She shows them that they matter, their voices matter, and someone will keep showing up for them. There is no doubt she will continue to stand beside them for as long as it takes to help change the trajectory of their lives toward a brighter, healthier future.

– Alison Wheeler, Advocate Supervisor

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CASA Welcomes 12 New Advocates

Please join all of us at CASA of New Hampshire in welcoming 12 new advocates who graduated in October. Congratulations to Betsy, Doug, Rob, Jennifer, Nancy, Cindy, Kylee, Frank, John, Kathleen, Alison and Itzick.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different trainings, including virtual, in-person and hybrid options. Both the upcoming fall and early winter sessions will be virtual. See the full training calendar here. Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

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Christine Parent Joins CASA of NH Board of Directors

CASA of New Hampshire welcomes Christine Parent, MBA, PMP, to its board of directors. Christine is a healthcare commercialization and marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading strategic growth, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven initiatives across complex health systems in the United States and Canada. Her career has focused on advancing solutions that improve access, education, and outcomes within highly regulated and high-responsibility environments.

Christine served in a board role supporting women’s leadership studies at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business, where she contributed to governance, strategic guidance, and leadership development initiatives. Through this work, she has strengthened her commitment to principled leadership, fiduciary stewardship, and the advancement of emerging leaders.

In May 2026, Christine will present on modern leadership at the Bentley University Alumni Conference, reflecting her ongoing engagement in adaptive leadership, organizational transformation, and executive development. She has also completed advanced studies in applied artificial intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a focus on ethical innovation and digital transformation — expertise that supports nonprofits navigating evolving donor, advocacy, and community engagement landscapes.

Throughout her executive career, Christine has led cross-functional teams, advised senior stakeholders, built national engagement programs, and translated complex missions into clear, compelling public narratives. She brings experience in strategic planning, performance measurement, stakeholder education, and collaborative leadership.

A resident of New Hampshire, Christine is deeply committed to supporting organizations that strengthen families and populations across the state. She views board service as a stewardship responsibility — grounded in thoughtful governance, long-term sustainability, and meaningful community impact.

Christine holds an MBA from Bentley University and a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

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Margaret M.L. Byrnes Named Next President & CEO of CASA of New Hampshire

Today, the CASA of New Hampshire Board of Directors announced that Margaret M.L. Byrnes has been selected as the organization’s next President and CEO following a comprehensive statewide and national search. Byrnes will succeed Marcia “Marty” Sink, CASA of NH’s founder and longtime leader, who announced in late 2025 that she will retire after nearly four decades leading the organization she built from the ground up. 

Byrnes currently serves as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Municipal Association, where she oversees all aspects of the statewide nonprofit organization, including operations, finance, strategic planning, legal services, advocacy, and human resources. Since becoming Executive Director in 2019, she has led the organization through significant operational modernization, strategic planning, organizational growth, and complex legislative and public policy challenges. 

A lawyer by training, Byrnes holds a Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law, where she graduated as valedictorian, and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire. She also brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, coalition-building, and statewide relationship management, along with a deep knowledge of NH communities, institutions, and public systems. 

Importantly, Byrnes also brings a longstanding personal commitment to CASA’s mission. She has served as a CASA Guardian ad Litem volunteer since 2021 and currently serves as a peer mentor for new advocates. 

“Margaret was the Board’s unanimous and enthusiastic choice following an extensive and highly competitive search,” said Evelyn Aissa, Co-Chair of the CASA of NH Board of Directors. “She is an exceptional leader with tremendous strategic capability, strong operational and financial acumen, and deep relationships across New Hampshire. Just as importantly, she brings genuine passion for CASA’s mission and a profound commitment to the children and families we serve. We are confident she is the right leader to guide CASA of NH into its next chapter.” 

The Board’s Search Committee conducted multiple rounds of interviews and extensive due diligence before unanimously recommending Byrnes for the role.  

“CASA’s mission speaks directly to the values that have guided both my professional and volunteer life,” Byrnes said. “Serving as a CASA volunteer has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that advocates, staff, and supporters make for children navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to lead this organization and build upon the remarkable foundation Marty and the entire CASA community have created.” 

Sink, who founded CASA of NH in 1989 and has served as its President and CEO ever since, said that “Leading CASA of New Hampshire has been the greatest privilege of my professional life. I am deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, Board members, donors, and partners who have made this work possible over nearly four decades. I’m confident CASA’s next chapter will bright.”

Byrnes will begin her role as President and CEO on July 22, 2026. Sink will continue serving as President and CEO until that time to support a thoughtful leadership transition. 

CASA of NH engaged Kittleman & Associates to conduct a search for its new CEO. Kittleman & Associates is a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities, and philanthropic organizations. Kittleman recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector, including advocacy and educational organizations and human services agencies. For more information, visit https://www.kittlemansearch.com/. 

Founded in 1989, CASA of New Hampshire recruits, trains, and supports volunteer Guardians ad Litem who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect as they navigate the child protection and court systems. Today, more than 600 CASA volunteers serve children across all 10 counties in New Hampshire. Learn more at https://casaprd.kinsta.cloud/.

CASA of NH Welcomes 13 New Advocates

CASA of New Hampshire is delighted to welcome 13 new advocates who graduated in May. Congratulations to Kayne, Anthony, Fred, Ashley, Abi, Geoff, Lisa, Nicola, Daniel, Dave, Keri, Jenn and Claudia.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different trainings, including virtual, in-person and hybrid options. Summer and fall sessions include hybrid starting on July 6, in-person starting on September 16, and all-virtual starting on October 26. All in-person classes take place in Concord. See the full training calendar here.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

A large group of people on a stage with a blue backdrop at a CASA Cares event.

CASA Cares Supports NH’s Children Experiencing Abuse and Neglect

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A large group of people on a stage with a blue backdrop at a CASA Cares event.
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CASA of New Hampshire held its annual fundraising gala CASA Cares on May 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester. Presented by Novocure, the event included a live auction and jewelry raffle courtesy of Day’s Jewelers.

Funds raised will aid CASA of NH in its mission to recruit, train and support volunteers to provide children who experienced abuse and neglect with critical advocacy both in and outside of the courtroom.

This year’s event was both a celebration of CASA of NH’s impact – serving more than 13,000 children – and the legacy of founder, CEO and President Marty Sink, who is retiring as of July 1 after a 38-year career.

The evening’s speakers included Congressman Chris Pappas, former CASA of NH Board Co-chair and current Advisory Council member Amy Coveno, Mike Ambrogi, CASA of New Hampshire board member and senior technology fellow at Novocure, and Joe Corey, president of Day’s Jewelers.

Auctioneer Mark Fodero entertained the crowd as they bid on live auction items, including luxury vacations, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers” plus a meet-and-greet with Seth Meyers, a private dinner and wine pairing donated by Chef Ed Aloise and David Duhamel of Ruby Wines, glamping and ATV packages courtesy of Bear Rock Adventures, “Martinis with Marty” at Bravo in Manchester, a two-night stay on Star Island, and more.

Since 1989, CASA of New Hampshire has provided a voice for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in New Hampshire by empowering a statewide network of volunteer guardians ad litem to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. These advocates are trained in trauma-informed best-interests advocacy, and get to know the children and the important people in those children’s lives. CASA of NH advocates are in a unique position to make detailed recommendations in court so judges are able to make informed decisions on what’s in a child’s best interests.

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CASA of NH Welcomes 15 New Advocates

Please join CASA of New Hampshire in welcoming 15 new advocates – congratulations to Lindsey, Jim, Liza, Julie, Nathan, Susie, Sue, Lynne, Paul, Brianna, John, Lisa, Susan, Allison and Melyssa.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different trainings, including virtual, in-person and hybrid options. Spring and summer 2026 trainings include one all-virtual option beginning April 6, and two hybrid sessions starting May 27 and July 6.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

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CASA of NH Seeking New Chief Executive Officer

CASA of New Hampshire is seeking a mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to build on the organization’s strong foundation and lead it into its next chapter of growth, visibility, and impact. The key opportunity for the next leader is to strengthen organizational infrastructure, expand and diversify fundraising efforts, support statewide volunteer recruitment and retention, and advance CASA of New Hampshire’s strategic framework while preserving its culture of compassion, trust, and transparency.

Reporting to the Board of Directors and serving as the organization’s chief spokesperson, the CEO will provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for a $4 million-organization with seven locations, a professional staff of more than 40, and over 650 trained volunteer advocates. The CEO will oversee program quality and outcomes, steward community, judicial, and legislative relationships, and ensure CASA of New Hampshire continues to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed advocacy for children and youth throughout New Hampshire.

CASA of New Hampshire seeks an inspiring, collaborative, and experienced nonprofit executive with a demonstrated passion for child advocacy and equity. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, fundraising, and relationship-building skills, experience working with a Board of Directors, and a background in human services or related fields. A bachelor’s degree is required. The position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

If you are interested in leading this impactful organization, please confidentially submit a current resume and cover letter to Kittleman & Associates. The cover letter should highlight your commitment to CASA of New Hampshire’s mission and values, as well as your leadership experience and organizational impact. To apply through our online portal, please click www.kittlemansearch.com/casa-of-new-hampshire-chief-executive-officer.

About CASA of New Hampshire

Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire (CASA of New Hampshire) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children and youth. Founded in 1989, CASA of New Hampshire empowers and supports a network of highly trained volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GALs) who advocate for children’s best interests so they can thrive in safe, permanent, and nurturing homes. CASA of New Hampshire collaborates closely with the judicial system, social service agencies, and community partners to serve children across the state.

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CASA of NH Announces Fund in Honor of Retiring CEO and Founder

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire CEO and Founder Marty Sink is retiring as of July 1, 2026. In recognition of her incredible 38-year career and impact on the state, CASA of NH’s Board of Directors established the Marty Sink Legacy Fund for Advocates.

This is in honor of Marty, who instilled in CASA the core belief that the volunteer advocates are the heart of the organization. The purpose of this fund is to build on the existing solid foundation of advocate support, increasing CASA’s investment in our 600-plus advocates. That investment is critical, as we’ve learned that advocates who feel supported and recognized remain committed longer and go on to become some of the best recruiters of new volunteers.

With this fund, we can engage national experts for more specialized training as we continue to be at the forefront of identifying issues and challenges facing children and families; offer additional social and support opportunities for our volunteers to connect with us and each other; and provide more support for those day-to-day tasks volunteers undertake in their work on behalf of children and youth.

As CASA enters the next chapter, we do so with deep gratitude for Marty’s leadership and vision. The Marty Sink Legacy Fund for Advocates will serve as both a tribute to her and a meaningful investment in CASA’s future.

Learn more about the Marty Sink Legacy Fund for Advocates here.

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CASA of NH Welcomes 8 New Advocates

Please join CASA of New Hampshire in welcoming 8 new advocates – congratulations to Kenz, Sally, Tess, Jane, Karen, Paula, Mallory and Ann on completing your training!  

CASA of NH offers a variety of different trainings, including virtual, in-person and hybrid options. For winter and early spring of 2026, classes will be held entirely virtually with three sessions beginning on January 6, February 6 and April 6. Two hybrid options with a mix of virtual and in-person classes begin on May 27 and July 6. All in-person days take place at Delta Dental in Concord.  

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.