Beloved REDC President Laurel Adams Passes Away Suddenly, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Economic Empowerment in New Hampshire

RAYMOND, NH — July 26, 2025 — It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) of New Hampshire has announced the sudden and unexpected passing of its President, Laurel Adams. A transformative leader, visionary thinker, and passionate advocate for economic equity, Adams leaves behind a legacy that will continue to impact businesses, families, and communities across the Granite State for years to come.

Laurel Adams, who had served as REDC’s President for over a decade, passed away earlier this week. Details regarding the cause of death have not been publicly released out of respect for the family’s privacy. Her untimely death has left colleagues, regional leaders, and countless entrepreneurs in mourning, as the state grapples with the loss of one of its most influential economic development figures.

A Tireless Champion for Small Businesses and Underserved Communities

Under Adams’ leadership, REDC became a powerhouse of community-driven economic development, known for its innovative lending programs, small business incubators, and support for minority- and women-owned enterprises throughout southern New Hampshire. She was instrumental in expanding access to capital, especially for entrepreneurs often overlooked by traditional banks.

“Laurel believed in people,” said REDC Board Chair David Dufour. “Whether it was a single mother starting a food truck, a refugee building a cleaning business, or a young farmer launching a sustainable agricultural venture — Laurel treated each person as if they were building the next Google. She gave them belief, guidance, and the resources to grow.”

Adams was particularly passionate about rural development and economic justice. She spearheaded initiatives that targeted infrastructure gaps in economically distressed areas, bringing jobs and training opportunities to regions long forgotten by major investors.

Legacy of Leadership and Recognition

In 2022, Adams was named Economic Developer of the Year by the Northeastern Economic Development Association. She frequently spoke at national conferences and served as a mentor to emerging leaders in nonprofit finance and economic planning. Her work caught the attention of both state and federal lawmakers, who often sought her insights on community development block grants, lending reform, and equitable growth policies.

“Laurel Adams was not just a professional force — she was a moral compass for all of us,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen in a statement released Saturday. “She reminded us that real economic growth must include everyone, not just the privileged few. She was relentless in that belief, and New Hampshire is stronger because of her.”

Adams also played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, mobilizing emergency relief funds and working around the clock to keep small businesses afloat. Her ability to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and push for equitable aid saved hundreds of jobs and family-owned operations across the region.

A Mentor, Friend, and Community Pillar

Beyond her professional accolades, Adams was widely admired for her warmth, generosity, and sense of humor. Staff at REDC describe her as the kind of leader who knew everyone’s name — and their favorite coffee order. Her office door was always open, her phone line always answered, and her time always given, even on her busiest days.

“She lifted everyone around her,” said Maria Torres, a REDC program director. “Laurel made you feel seen and heard. That’s rare in leadership, and it made all the difference in how we showed up to do our jobs every day.”

Adams was also a proud New Hampshire native and often said her life’s mission was to make the state a better place for working families. She lived in Raymond with her husband Tom, their teenage son Elliot, and their golden retriever Maple, who was often spotted lounging in the REDC office during long workdays.

Moving Forward with Grief and Gratitude

The REDC has announced that interim leadership will be appointed in the coming weeks, and they are committed to continuing the programs, projects, and values that Adams championed. Plans are underway for a public memorial service, and the organization is considering establishing the Laurel Adams Fund for Inclusive Economic Development in her honor.

“We are devastated, but we are not directionless,” said Dufour. “Laurel gave us a roadmap — one rooted in compassion, justice, and bold action. That map will guide us now.”

Condolences from across New England and beyond have poured in, with business owners, nonprofit leaders, and government officials reflecting on the deep void Adams’ death leaves behind — and the indelible mark she made during her life.