Staff

Jessica Forrest, MA, MBA
Director of Operations

Jessica brings many years of experience in climate change solutions, nonprofit leadership, organizational management, and communications. Her career includes 20 years of experience in research and capacity building roles with the World Wildlife Fund, Chesapeake Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the United Nations Environment Programme, where she advanced practical, science-based solutions to climate adaptation, mitigation and conservation challenges.

Most recently, Jessica served as Board President and Managing Director of a Concord-based nonprofit, overseeing operations for this volunteer-run organization. During her tenure, she strengthened the organization's finances, expanded programming, led fundraising and capital improvement planning efforts, and enhanced member communications. Jessica also served on the City of Concord's Energy and Environment Advisory Committee, where she co-authored the City's 100% Renewable Energy Strategic Plan, coordinated its first Weatherize Concord campaign, and helped lead the City's first greenhouse gas emissions inventories.

Jessica holds an MBA from the University of New Hampshire, a Master's degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University, and a Bachelor's degree from Duke University.

Jessica oversees the day-to-day operations of NH Healthy Climate, including program development and implementation, volunteer engagement and coordination, and strategic growth.

Joan Widmer, MS, MSBA, RN
Treasurer & Executive Director

Ms. Widmer has a unique and varied professional background. Prior to becoming a nurse, she had a successful career in multiple corporate accounting and finance roles, including the roles of Chief Financial Officer, VP of Finance & Accounting and Corporate Controller. Ms. Widmer was responsible for the day-to-day financial and accounting management, including the preparation of financial statements, business plans, strategic plans and monitoring performance against these plans. In 2004, Ms. Widmer elected to pursue a second career in nursing. She holds a BA from University of California, San Diego and a MSBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She completed her nursing training at Rivier University and received a MS in Nursing from the University of New Hampshire. Ms. Widmer practiced clinically at Catholic Medical Center for 12 years and has served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty for UNH. She served as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Nurses Association for four years and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of this non-profit professional organization for NH nurses.

In addition to serving as serves as the Interim Executive Director and Treasurer of NH Healthy Climate, Ms. Widmer is currently VP of Clinical Operations and CNO of Vytatek, Inc., a healthcare technology firm. She also chairs NH Healthy Climate’s Finance & Audit Committee and Development Committee.