Michele Holt-Shannon is a co-founder and Associate Director for New Hampshire Listens at the University of New Hampshire. Her work on and off campus is focused on civic engagement and problem solving in intact communities and in the public sphere. She joined the Carsey Institute in 2011 to focus on civic engagement through facilitator training and process design to ensure fair, inclusive, and informed outcomes for local and statewide projects. She works to bring people together across perspectives and backgrounds to solve problems and create solutions for their communities. Recent projects include statewide conversations on expanded gaming, outdoor recreation, and water sustainability. Locally, her work includes issues of regionalization, education, public leadership, and community development.

She received an MA in higher education and student affairs from Bowling Green State University, an MTS in world religions and theological studies from Boston College, and a BS in biology and psychology from the University of Alabama. Michele’s academic focus provides a foundation for applied development and community change work.