Board of Directors
The Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Foundation is guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors whose members share a passion for education, leadership, and empowering the next generation of young women.
Representing a diverse range of professional backgrounds and community experiences, our Board provides strategic leadership, financial oversight, and governance to ensure the Foundation remains true to its mission of expanding educational opportunities through scholarships. Their commitment helps sustain and grow scholarship opportunities for participants in the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program and for additional students who receive Foundation scholarships each year.
Together, our Board is committed to responsible stewardship, transparency, and the continued advancement of educational opportunities throughout New Hampshire.
Board Members
James Irving
President
James began his involvement with the Miss New Hampshire Program in 2011 cheering on his (now) wife Megan Cooley (Miss New Hampshire 2014) during local and state competitions. He has served as President of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Foundation since February 2022, and loves volunteering in other capacities as a member of the production crew. James graduated from Gordon College in 2017 and earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of New Hampshire. His research examines moments of crisis in U.S. - Latin relations during the 20th century, using the perspectives of individual diplomats and politicians to explore the influence of U.S. power abroad. When he’s not reading, writing, or grading student work, James likes to spend time outside, play basketball, ski around New England, and enjoy good food with friends and family. He and Megan live in Concord with their two cats, Leo and Samba, and Bernedoodle puppy, Scout.
Paul Gilberti
Vice President
Paul is a recently retired Information Technology executive with over 55+ years in manufacturing environments. Today, his hobbies include ocean kayaking, SCUBA diving, fishing, hunting, competition shooting sports, playing Texas Holdem, and teaching firearm safety and hunter education. He also holds a private pilot’s license and an amateur radio Extra class license. He has been involved with community service for over 45 years as a Jaycee and now a Lion, is currently serving as Past President of the Hampstead Lions Club and is in his ninth year as President of his sportsman club, an 800+ member organization.
Natalie (Shaw) St. Cyr
Secretary
Natalie is a 2006 Cum Laude graduate of Plymouth State University, where she earned a BA in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, and a minor in Theater, under the studio of Janice Edwards. Natalie also earned her Master’s degree in Music Education from Boston University in 2013. She served as Miss New Hampshire 2008 and competed in the 2009 Miss America competition. She received over $47,000 in scholarship funds from the Miss New Hampshire and Miss America Scholarship Programs. During her years as a competitor, she volunteered with organizations focused on hunger relief, namely the Meals on Wheels Organization, The Salvation Army Kids Cafe and the New Hampshire Food Bank. Natalie has worked as a church soloist for over 20 years for a variety of faiths, and is now teaching full time. She is currently the General Music Teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Manchester, where she also directs the Beginning Chorus program. She resides in Manchester with her husband, Rob, and their three children.
Janice Mobsby
Treasurer
Janice has volunteered as Treasurer of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Foundation Inc. since its inception in 2015. Previously, Janice has been Treasurer of the Miss NH Scholarship Program and Sonshine Soup Kitchen. Now retired from public service, Janice and her husband Bruce enjoy boating, golfing, and snowmobiling, but most importantly, spending time with family.
Lauren Percy
Director
Lauren has been a dedicated volunteer with the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program for over a decade. She served as Miss New Hampshire 2017 and Miss New Hampshire’s Teen 2011. Lauren is a middle school history teacher in New York City and lives with her husband in Manhattan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University. Throughout her tenure as Miss New Hampshire, Lauren served as a financial aid counselor for homeless and emancipated minors and political refugees through her Community Service Initiative “Reach Higher: Making Higher Education Possible.” She is elated to continue to make higher education possible for young women in New Hampshire as a board member of the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Foundation.
Beth Daly
Director
Beth is a public health leader and supporter of advancing education and leadership opportunities for women. She holds a senior leadership position at the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, a national professional association dedicated to strengthening public health capacity and shaping policy. Prior to this role, Beth served the State of NH as infectious disease chief, leading prevention and response efforts. She holds a Doctor of Public Health degree in Health Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and undergraduate degrees in Zoology and English from UNH. Through her professional work and academic faculty appointments, she has mentored young women seeking careers and advancement in the public health and health care sector. Beth became involved in the Miss NH Scholarship Program in 2023 and has served as a judge for both Miss NH and Miss NH’s Teen. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors to further support the organization and the young women who participate in the program.