WMI's Board of Directors
Skip Spadaccini, President
Skip has lived in Mt. Washington Valley for 28 years. His career spans 40+ years in the ski and outdoor industry, primarily in retail operations and management with 15 years in sales. He is an outdoor enthusiast, avid runner, DH skier and hiker. Married to Lisa for 33 years they have 2 of the best kids in the world: Zachary & Lindsay. He & Lisa became Grandparents to Aria Marie in March of 2024 daughter of Zachary & Lesley. He strongly believes in the mission of the WMI, and its continued success will strengthen our communities' local economy by supporting all local businesses.
Susan Logan, Executive Director
Susan is a Mt. Washington Valley native who returned home after living in Boston, Cleveland, and Los Angeles after college. She has 40 years of experience in marketing in the NH tourism industry. She has served in leadership roles in numerous tourism organizations in the State and is delighted to be working with the Independents to support small businesses everywhere.
Greg Vander Veer, Vice President
Greg Vander Veer is the co-owner of The Christmas Loft with his husband Stephen O'Farrell. They moved to North Conway from New York City in 2016. Greg is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker and his films have played in hundreds of international film festivals. He was the President of Dance Films Association from 2012-2016. In addition to serving on the WMI's Board, currently he is also the Vice President of White Mountains Pride.
Laura Cummings, Treasurer
Laura is celebrating her 20th year of ownership of White Birch Books, while the store marks its 33rd year in business. In addition to running the store, she has been involved with her regional and national trade organizations, and currently sits on the Advisory Council of the New England Independent Booksellers Association. It is always good to keep learning new things! She enjoys traveling, especially to catch up with her son at National Parks throughout the country. She lives in Fryeburg with her beloved cats.
Janice Brotherton, Secretary
Janice has lived in the valley for over 50 years. She is married, with four children and seven grandchildren. She loves the area and the valley and all it has given her over the years! Janice was a founding member and President of the Bartlett Preschool, served on the Bartlett Recreation Board, volunteered for the ESSC ski program, and has volunteered for many other organizations. It has always been important to her to give back to the community.
She started her first business, Finishing Touches Upholstery, over 30 years ago. That business is located within Valley Artisans & Vintage Market, a furniture and antique shop that will soon be your favorite shop.
She is proud to be on the board and one of the founding members of White Mountain Independence.
Kathy Ahearn, Marketing Chair
Kathy Ahearn opened Four Your Paws Only, an award-winning, family-owned pet specialty store and pet bakery, back in 1994 with her husband, Brian, and son, Kevin, who is now the store’s manager. She strongly believes in providing the best customer service possible to her customers and giving back to her community through her business and personally.
Four Your Paws Only has hosted countless events, benefits, and meet-and-greets for animal shelters and rescue groups over the years. Kathy was a founding board member of the Conway Area Humane Society and founded the White Mountain Disaster Animal Response Team in 2008, of which she is still the team leader. She is also the chair of the White Mountain Horse Association, as well as the White Mountain Independents Marketing Committee.
Brian Ahearn
Brian Ahearn opened Four Your Paws Only, an award-winning, family-owned pet specialty store and pet bakery, back in 1994, along with his wife, Kathy, and son, Kevin, who is now the store’s manager. Brian left a management position at a large corporate pet supply chain to open Four Your Paws Only, where he could offer more personal service to his customers. He has over 45 years of retail experience and can always be found in the store greeting customers and their pets. Brian also believes in giving back, both through Four Your Paws Only and personally. He volunteered with the Eastern Slope Ski Program and coached many different youth sports teams for many years as his son was growing up. He also volunteered his time helping animal rescues over the years, including driving down to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, where he spent ten days caring for hundreds of displaced animals. Today, he is an active member of the White Mountain Disaster Animal Response Team.
Heather Chase
Heather and her partner, Russ Van Deursen, co-founded The Local Grocer in 2010 with the goal of creating a wellness hub for the Mt. Washington Valley community. Their vision was to offer not only wholesome food and natural remedies but also lifestyle products, educational resources, and holistic health services. As a Clinical Herbalist, Heather is deeply passionate about local food systems, the regional economy, sustainability, and promoting natural living. She is committed to fostering a healthy, resilient community through education and natural wellness solutions.
Cort Hansen
Cort Hansen, along with his business partner, opened the Ragged Mountain Equipment factory and store 40 years ago, in 1985. A resident of the valley for over 47 years, he is an avid hiker and skier and is actively involved with the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring Foundation, the Mt. Washington Valley Trails Association, and is a member of the Albany Conservation Commission, where he lives. He strongly supports small, independently owned businesses, believing that they help build a strong local economy that supports the community.
Lisa Spadaccini
Lisa has been in retail for over 45 years, working in sales, management, buying, and merchandising. She has loved shopping since she was a little girl and always wanted to own her own store. Originally opened in 2007, Lisa started working at It's My Girlfriend's in 2014 and purchased the boutique in February 2019.
The consignment shop has the feel of a boutique, and Lisa takes pride in the quality of clothing and accessories she receives for consignment. She also purchases new merchandise to sell in the boutique. The boutique's inventory changes daily!
She and her husband have lived in the Mount Washington Valley for over 25 years. They have two adult children, Zachary and Lindsay. They are now empty nesters, except for the five rescued dogs that keep them entertained!