Salem Schools Superintendent Chosen For Prestigious Award

SALEM, NH — Michael Delahanty, the superintendent of Salem schools, has been chosen for the most prestigious award presented annually by the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce. He has been chosen as this year's winner of the William A. Brown Distinguished Businessperson Award. The Chamber will honor Delahanty with the award during the Chamber's 31st annual dinner on Sept. 25.

According to the Chamber, the Salem School District has been a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce and it is one of the largest employers in the town. There are 680 employees in the School District, eight operating locations and a $70 million budget. Delananty has been leading the School District for more than 15 years, according to the Chamber.

"Michael Delahanty's role as Superintendent, and its associated responsibilities, make him a 'businessman' in every sense of the word," according to a statement by Chamber officials. "Delahanty has led the Salem School District and guided extraordinary efforts to transform the education system that serves the children of Salem. His efforts and accomplishments have included: instituting public kindergarten, updating the Salem School District’s Strategic Plan with community input, implementing the renovations for Salem’s elementary schools, and overseeing the recent renovations of Salem High School."

According to the Chamber, Delahanty has grown partnerships between the School District and the business community. He has helped secure student internships, helped implement the Chamber's Student Interview Challenge, hosted the Chamber's annual Health Fair and the various Applied Academic Career Breakfasts.

"The partnership with the Chamber and the Salem School District is an important one, especially as it relates to preparing the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs," said Chamber President Donna Morris. "We are very fortunate to have a strong relationship and that is due, in large part, to Michael's leadership and support."

Delahanty is also active with the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, Salem Dollars for Scholars, Salem Pride and the Greater Salem Rotary Club, Chamber officials have stated.

According to the Chamber, the William A. Brown Distinguished Businessperson Award began 38 years ago with the Salem Commerce Exchange. It is named after William A. Brown, the award's first recipient. The award is given to a person who has enhanced the business environment of the Greater Salem community. It is based on qualities of leadership, community involvement, charitable involvement, public service and character.

At next month's annual dinner, Chamber is also honoring Clare Macoul of Enterprise Bank with the Volunteer of the Year and Robyn Sweeney-Glickel of Barclay Personnel Systems with the Chairman's Award.

The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce serves Salem, Windham, Atkinson, Hampstead and Pelham.

The annual dinner and meeting will take place Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Brookstone Event Center, located at 14 Route 111 in Derry. Dinner will take place at 7 p.m., and award presentations will take place afterward. Tickets are $70 per person, with tables of 10 available. For more information visit www.gschamber.com.