Amy Bassett joins Granite Edvance’s Board of Trustees
Concord, NH — Granite Edvance is pleased to welcome Amy Bassett, a business leader with a deep understanding of New Hampshire’s workforce, to its Board of Trustees effective September 24, 2026.
Prior to her recent retirement, Bassett served as the New Hampshire District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, leading the NH team in the delivery of financial assistance, entrepreneurial development, and contracting programs throughout the state.
“Amy’s long career supporting New Hampshire’s businesses and entrepreneurs and deep understanding of the state’s workforce bring an important perspective to our work helping people of all ages plan for education and career success,” said Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton.
“Granite Edvance benefits greatly from having trustees with diverse experiences and areas of expertise,” said Granite Edvance Board Chair Paul Provost. “Amy’s understanding of the state’s employers and workforce needs will help us think even more broadly about how to prepare students for opportunities here in New Hampshire.”
“I am thrilled to begin my next chapter by joining the distinguished Granite Edvance Board of Trustees,” said Amy Bassett. “My career has been rooted in public service and in supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities across New Hampshire. I am excited to bring that experience, along with my passion for strengthening workforce development and my foundation in public education, to help advance Granite Edvance’s mission and impact across the state.”
A graduate of Plymouth State University (then Plymouth State College), Bassett began her career with the SBA in 1990 and went on to serve in a variety of positions, including Deputy District Director and Lender Relations Specialist in the New Hampshire District Office. Prior to her most recent role, she served as the SBA District Director in Maine.
The Granite Edvance Board of Trustees is made up of professionals from a wide range of sectors, including higher education, financial services, nonprofit management, and legal services. In recent years, the board has supported the organization in enhancing its public service focus within New Hampshire and in mapping out a strategic plan to set its priorities and drive its work.
About Granite Edvance
Granite Edvance is a New Hampshire nonprofit that supports New Hampshire students and their families through free career and higher-education counseling and resources, as well as through funding assistance including scholarships and competitive private student loans. Established in 1962, the organization rebranded as Granite Edvance in November 2023. Granite Edvance Corporation offers private student loan products, including the Granite Edvance Student Loan, the EdvestinU Private Student Loan, the Granite Edvance Refinance Loan, the EdvestinU Refinance Loan, and the Granite Edvance Parent Loan. Loans offered by Granite Edvance Corporation may be funded by Granite Edvance Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills, member FDIC.