Al Haghdan: Treasurer

Since 2002, Al has worked in financial services, starting as a financial planner, opening a mortgage company in 2004, and later transitioning to bank management after the 2008 mortgage crisis. Now, Al guides clients through Medicare options and retirement planning, with a focus on providing trustworthy advice for retirees and pre-retirees. Living in New Hampshire since 1995, Al has been married to his wife and best friend of 32 years, and is a proud parent of two daughters—one a biomedical engineer and the other a physician assistant. In his free time, Al enjoys playing pickleball, biking with his wife, and hiking with his dog, Cooper. If you’re looking for expert guidance on retirement planning or annuity recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you achieve your retirement goals.

Deborah Water: Secretary

A lifelong advocate for conservation and outdoor access, Deborah Waters brings a unique blend of legal expertise, environmental stewardship, and hands-on trail experience to her role as Secretary of the Pelham Pathways Board. A former paralegal, Deb served on the Pelham Conservation Commission and is a 15-year veteran of the Forestry Committee, where she played a pivotal role in protecting open space and shaping the future of conservation in Pelham. She was instrumental in securing five land acquisitions, including the Wolven Conservation Area—a property she continues to help steward today as a dedicated trail adopter, maintaining and enhancing its scenic trail network. Deb is a passionate hiker, biker, and cross-country skier, happiest when immersed in nature—whether trekking through woodlands or walking along her favorite beach. As a member of the Pelham Community Trail Coalition, Deb is a vocal champion for universal accessibility. She is currently contributing her time and talents to the creation of Virginia’s All Persons Trail at Merriam Farm Conservation Area, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy Pelham’s beautiful conservation lands.

Joy Turner: Alternate

Joy Turner’s lifelong passion for the outdoors and her commitment to community stem from an enduring connection to nature, first nurtured during childhood walks along a brook with her beloved dog. Her appreciation for the natural world evolved into a love of hiking and a dedication to protecting public forests. Thirty years ago, her life changed after a chemical exposure at work left her unable to tolerate synthetic chemicals, leading her to focus on environmental education and organic gardening. This deepened her understanding of healthy environments’ importance for all. Joy’s compassion also extends to people of all abilities, shaped by her close relationships with family and friends with disabilities, which inspired her to advocate for inclusivity. Since moving to Pelham 2.5 years ago, Joy has immersed herself in the community, volunteering as a trail adopter and serving on multiple groups and committees, including the Garden Group, the Agricultural Commission, and the Celebration Park Committee. She also serves on the Community Trail Coalition Board and facilitates Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups. Joy’s energy, kindness, and dedication have profoundly impacted Pelham, helping to create a more inclusive, accessible, and beautiful community. Pelham Pathways is proud to have her on the board, working to make the town its best.

Michelle Cooke: Member

Michelle Cooke has deep roots in Pelham, where she has lived for 14 years after visiting family here for over 40 years. A dedicated educator with more than 30 years of experience, Michelle was named the 2022 Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year and recognized as a Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll Teacher Finalist. She currently teaches second grade at Brookside School, integrating agriculture and environmental education into her lessons. Michelle is also the author of Don’t Bee Afraid, a children’s book promoting the importance of pollinators. Living on a small farm in New Hampshire, she is passionate about farming, animals, and education. Beyond her teaching, Michelle is an active advocate for conservation and sustainability, often incorporating these themes into her classroom and community work. She is also a proud mother of three adult children and finds joy in sharing her love for nature and lifelong learning with others. Michelle looks forward to contributing to the Pelham Pathways board, where she aims to help cultivate a community focused on wellness, conservation, and educational growth.

Craig Putnam: Member

Craig brings a rich background in innovation, leadership, and public service to the Pelham Pathways Board, with a career spanning high-tech roles at Digital Equipment Corporation and Compaq Computer, including international experience in Ireland. He later transitioned to the startup world as CTO and VP of Engineering for a B2B textile company before shifting to academia in 2002, where he taught engineering and robotics at Daniel Webster College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, helping launch the nation’s first undergraduate Robotics Engineering Program. Since retiring in 2020, Craig has remained deeply engaged in community advocacy, leading Hudson, NH’s Community Power initiative and serving on its Sustainability Advisory Committee alongside his wife Debbie. Their shared passion for accessible and sustainable outdoor spaces is reflected in their love of exploring local rail trails on ebikes.

Linda Irish Simpson: Member

Linda Irish-Simpson, a former HR Manager from Connecticut, is an outdoor enthusiast and environmental steward who relocated to New Hampshire after 40 years in Connecticut. An avid biker and hiker, she has long enjoyed exploring trails and fostering community connections through nature. Since 2017, Linda has been active in the Pelham Forestry Committee, adopting trails in local conservation areas, and she has successfully spearheaded the original Hike Challenge, with over 60 participants, and the 2024 Winter Hike Challenge, which runs through March 2025. As a member of the Pelham Community Trails Coalition, Linda advocates for outdoor accessibility and is contributing to the creation of an All Persons Trail by 2025, ensuring Pelham’s natural spaces are inclusive for individuals of all abilities. Dedicated to community engagement, Linda remains deeply connected to her family, enjoying time with her husband, grown children, and granddaughter while staying active in her local community.

Mary Sanford: Member

Mary Sanford, once a city girl, found peace in nature after moving to New Hampshire 39 years ago. With a 42-year career in ICU nursing, she advanced from bedside nurse to manager, overseeing a multimillion-dollar ICU project. She briefly left nursing to run a catering business but returned, earning a Master’s in Nursing and later a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, becoming NH’s first Nurse Practitioner in an Adult Critical Care Unit. She played a key role in securing independent practice for Nurse Practitioners in NH and served as president of the NH Nurse Practitioner Association, earning top honors. In retirement, she volunteered extensively, from soup kitchens to COVID vaccinations, before dedicating herself to the Pelham Council on Aging, focusing on creating accessible green spaces through the Community Trails Coalition and Pelham Celebration Garden.