Granite Edvance welcomes Paul Provost as new board chair
Concord, NH – Granite Edvance, a New Hampshire nonprofit that supports students and families in navigating their education and career pathways, is pleased to welcome Paul Provost as the new chair of its board of trustees, effective January 9, 2025. Provost succeeds Susan Huard, who completed a three-year rotation as chair.
“Paul is a thoughtful, dedicated board member who brings a wealth of experience and a valuable perspective to our organization,” said Granite Edvance President and CEO Christiana Thornton. “I’m thankful to our entire board for their guidance and commitment as we’ve worked to enhance our focus on supporting NH students and families.”
Provost serves as a senior wealth advisor at NHTrust Financial Advisors. He was president of NHTrust and predecessor companies from 2015 to 2024. He has served on the board of Granite Edvance since 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont and a master’s degree from Saint Michael’s College. He also serves on the boards of the New Hampshire Retirement System and the Concord Hospital Trust.
“As a parent of two grown children who have navigated their own college and career journeys, I feel very fortunate to be able to help guide an organization that cares deeply about NH students and the future of our state,” Provost said.
Outgoing chair Susan Huard, who served most recently as interim chancellor for the Community College System of New Hampshire and president of Manchester Community College, will remain on Granite Edvance’s 14-member board. To learn more about the Granite Edvance Board of Trustees, visit https://graniteedvance.org/about-us/meet-our-team/.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Susan for her vision and leadership, and we’re excited to continue our work under Paul’s direction,” Thornton said.
About Granite Edvance
Granite Edvance (formerly the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, or the NHHEAF Network) is a New Hampshire nonprofit that uses its earnings to support New Hampshire students and their families through free career and higher-education counseling and resources, as well as funding assistance including scholarships and competitive private student loans. Established in 1962, the organization rebranded as Granite Edvance in November 2023. The Granite Edvance Student Loan, as well as the EdvestinU Private Student Loan and the EdvestinU Refinance Loan, are loan products offered by Granite Edvance Corporation and may be funded by Granite Edvance Corporation or Bank of Lake Mills, member FDIC.
For more information, visit GraniteEdvance.org. To schedule an interview, contact Sarah Earle at 603-406-0596 or email searle@graniteedvance.org.