The Faces of Five Rivers – Jay Haines
November 13, 2010 – The Faces of Five Rivers – Jay Haines, As interviewed by Melinda Gehris. There are many faces of Five Rivers. Meet one of the newest: Jay Haines. Jay joined us as the Executive Director this past May. Jay brings with him vast experience and knowledge from which the organization has already benefited. I recently had the opportunity to interview Jay. I want to share our conversation with you.
MG: What has been your career path?
JH: I spent twenty-three years in commercial banking, beginning in Philadelphia, and finishing my banking career as the President of a bank in New Hampshire. In 1990, I decided to use my expertise to assist local businesses. At the time,we were in the last recession; five of New Hampshire largest banks had collapsed. I began a consulting business to assist clients in establishing relationships with bankers and transition to permanent and stable banking relationships. It offered a good opportunity to meld my knowledge of the industry and my interest in supporting local businesses. As the banking crisis ended, my consulting transitioned to working with businesses and non-profits to increase financial performance.Many of my clients needed assistance to stabilize their finances, or assess and strengthen their internal operating structure. I worked to identify and propose pathways to resolve their issues.
MG: How did you get to Five Rivers?
JH: Last year, I was ready to wind down my consulting business but wanted to do something. I have been the Executive Director of non-profits both permanently and on an interim basis. I looked for an opportunity in the non-profit world that would allow me to bring benefit to the organization and at the same time enjoy myself. I spoke with a number of organizations about opportunities. I became intrigued with Five Rivers because it combines the focus of my business background – working with non-profits – with my love for being outdoors. Although this job is not heavily an outside job, it does allow me to advocate for things and places where I choose to spend time for my own enjoyment, outdoors. I am now part of sustaining my favorite places for generations to come. Its the most selfish job I ever took!
MG: What has been the biggest surprise about Five Rivers?
JH: I have been amazed by the genuine commitment and realistic perspective of board members. The trustees are not a group of altruistic dirt lovers. They are people spending time and energy for a genuine love of conservation. And each has their own reason. That is true of the members as well, as I have discovered, they (members) are part of Five Rivers for a multitude of different reasons. The most pleasant surprise has been watching the board members use their own resources to move the mission forward. Board members are called upon to be actively involved. And they are. Members of the board are here because of commitment to the mission and shared values, not for resume building or to associate their names with a cause.
MG: When you are not at the Five Rivers office, in a committee meeting or walking one of our conserved properties, how do you spend your time?
JH: I spend some time tending to things at the Concord Antique Gallery, which I own. I have good managers and I have learned not to mess with them, but the Gallery still takes time. I am active on two non-profit boards the Capitol Center for the Arts and Main Street Concord. (Jay is the President of the Main Street Concord Board). I am pleased to be associated with those organizations. Both of them have a mission parallel to that of Five Rivers preserving community.
When not working or volunteering in Concord, I spend time outdoors. I love being outside. I enjoy puttering in the yard and our veggie garden. I walk and hike every Sunday, all year long, around the state. One of my favorite trails is the Manning from the AMC hut up the summit of Mount Cardigan in Alexandria. I try to keep up with my wife, Tracy. She is a tri-athlete. Although she no longer competes,Tracy keeps up the discipline of training, and that helps to motivate me to go for a jog on a cold, dark morning.MG: Where do you live?
JH: We live in New London, in a wonderful neighborhood on a post card street with houses on one side and open space with few houses on the other side. Neighbors have been acquiring large pieces of land and restoring and preserving them.I enjoy the beauty of their open fields and old stone walls daily. Living in New London, I became aware of and joined the Ausbon Sergeant land Trust. My connections there expanded my understanding of the work of local land trusts and provided a basis for respect and enthusiasm for the opportunity in working with Five Rivers.
MG: So far, what do you see as the biggest challenge as Executive Director?
JH: I see an early challenge is making sure the work and identity of Five Rivers as a resource fort he Capital region becomes better known and appreciated. As people learn more about the organization, we will be approached by more landowners and town commissions, generating more opportunities for conservation. This leads to the next challenge, making sure that Five Rivers has all the resources necessary, in place, to respond fully to these opportunities.
