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Bedford women named as ‘Outstanding Women in Business’

At one of the most anticipated award ceremonies of the year, New Hampshire Business Review along with sponsors Eastern Bank and the Business and Industry Association honored six "Outstanding Women in Business" during a special award ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford.

"The Outstanding Women in Business Awards is a way for New Hampshire to celebrate and honor women in our communities who have excelled not only in their professional lives, but as civic leaders and role models for others," said Jeff Feingold, editor of New Hampshire Business Review. "This year’s award recipients possess a strong, successful work ethic and extraordinary accomplishments made possible by their efforts. Their commitment, vision and talents are what make this year’s award recipients true leaders in their chosen professions."

Also in attendance, Gov. Maggie Hassan, spoke to the important roles each of the night’s honorees play in encouraging young women to take on leadership positions in the state’s diverse business economy. She celebrated their successes and praised them for their inspiring careers.

The following local women were selected recipients of this year’s Outstanding Women in Business Awards:

? Kris McCracken, Manchester Community Health Center, Bedford

While gaining experience and expertise through social work and nonprofits, McCracken realized her leadership potential. Before joining Manchester Community Health Center 20 years ago, McCracken worked as a domestic violence counselor, an HIV and AIDS case manager as well as a substance abuse clinician. McCracken started off as a domestic violence case counselor at the health center and has since moved up the ranks, becoming president and CEO in 2013. To name one of her success’ just last year McCracken negotiated a partnership with Catholic Medical Center to grow the hospital’s West Side Neighborhood Health Center. McCracken’s colleagues stress her relationships in the community have helped the Health Center succeed.

? Amy Chhom, Dyn, Bedford

Chhom started her career off as a property manager and executive assistant to Dick Anagnost at Anagnost Investments in Manchester. Working for Anagnost opened up new doors for Chhom and allowed her to further grow. Taking advantage of programs like Leadership Greater Manchester and Leadership New Hampshire, and becoming involved in community organizations lead Chhom to further success. As a director of global facilities at Dyn, an Internet performance company, Chhom has been able to take her business operations and staff management skills and apply them globally. Chhom has brought great success to Dyn, operating offices in the UK, Australia and Singapore. Her determination and hard work has allowed her to become a role model in a male dominated field as well as remain confident, controlled and direct in hard conversations.

More information on the Outstanding Women in Business Awards can be found at www.nhbr.com/Outstanding-Women-in-Business-Awards.