Heard Called 'Heart' of Concord

and WMUR-TV have named Rosemary Heard the “Heart of Your City” for her outstanding commitment to the city of Concord. Heard’s story, which highlights the positive impact she has made in the community, was featured on the program "NH Chronicle" on April 6.

Heart of Your City is a year-long partnership between Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV that recognizes people who are making good things happen in New Hampshire’s 13 cities. Each honoree is featured on NH Chronicle and on the Destination Downtown section of WMUR-TV’s website.

Heard is president of , a nonprofit organization that provides safe, attractive, affordable housing and homebuyer and financial education services in Merrimack County. Since its inception, CATCH has created 342 rental and homeownership units, has educated more than 1,000 families through its Homebuyer Education Center and has helped more than 250 individuals and families successfully purchase a home.

“Housing is a basic human need, and the best part of what I do is being able to change lives through providing quality housing that is affordable to a range of income levels,” said Rosemary Heard. “I am proud to be a part of a network of nonprofits in the state that are all making a positive impact in the community. I truly believe that if we can leave the world better than how we found it, we have achieved success.”

Heard currently serves as chairwoman of the advisory council for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. She also serves on the board for the Northern New England Housing Investment Fund and the and as chairwoman of the Municipal Housing Commission for the city of Concord.

“For many, having a place to call home means achieving a life-long dream,” said Joe Carelli, president, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire. “Rosemary’s commitment to helping people attain this goal is a remarkable example of good citizenship. We are proud to work with WMUR-TV to showcase people like Rosemary and the tremendous work they do in our New Hampshire communities.”

“Rosemary really is the ‘heart’ of Concord,” said , president of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. “She has combined her experience in the corporate sector with her passion for helping others and has created something completely unique and special. On behalf of the entire Concord community, we thank Rosemary for her dedication and genuine spirit.”

Other New Hampshire towns to be featured on the “Heart of Your City” program are Berlin, Claremont, Dover, Franklin, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Rochester and Somersworth.

Nominations for Heart of Your City will be accepted throughout the year. If you would like to nominate an individual or group for this honor, please visit wmur.com/destination-downtown.