Staff and Board

Zachary Porter, MS has held various positions with the KYC since 2011; he currently serves as the Interim Executive Director.  He also works for the Appalachian Mountain Club.  His background includes work as a chef, leadership and supporting roles in non-profits, and work with youth and children.  Zachary has Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies with minors in History and Organizational Leadership, and Graduate Certificates in Leadership of Non-Profit Organizations and Human Resources Management, all  from Southern New Hampshire University.  Zachary has also completed a professional development certificate program in Grantsmanship from UNH.  He is certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, First Aid, and as a YMCA Life Guard.  Zachary is a member of the Rotary Club of Wolfeboro and is an avid ‘peak-bagger’, having navigated to remote and trackless places around New England, in all seasons.  At the KYC Zachary particularly enjoys working with members in the kitchen, coaching teens in learning and practicing life skills, hiking, and spending time with members outdoors.

Pam Sweeney serves as the Development Director of the Kingswood Youth Center. She has been with the organization since 2004, served many years as the Executive Director, and was instrumental in raising funds to purchase, design, and construct the new facility. Her current role in the organization focuses on grant writing, community relations, and financial management. She has completed many grant writing courses to include: UNH Grant Writing: Research and Development and Advanced Grant Writing; the Federal Grants Educational Conference Program; and Plus Time NH.

Her passion for youth and family is evident in all her work. She established many successful programs at KYC. She enjoys being outside herself and volunteers yearly with the NH Fish and Game Program as a kayak guide. Pam graduated from Middlesex College and immediately entered the business world in Boston, MA. She moved to Wolfeboro in 1981 and has operated a building business with her husband while raising her two daughters.

Mara Michno, MA has served as the Teen Director at the Kingswood Youth Center since 2015.  Mara was born and raised in Alaska and moved to New Hampshire in 2012. Mara earned her B.A in English Literature from the University of Alaska, as well as her Master’s Degree in Teaching at the secondary level, and recently earned her New Hampshire Teacher Certification. Mara worked and lived all over the state of Alaska including Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. Working for Juneau Youth Services was some of Mara’s most enjoyable work in Alaska. Mara lives in Wolfeboro with her husband and her two sons. She enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking and reading.

Sue Valenti is the Program Facilitator at Kingswood Youth Center. She has many years of experience working and volunteering with youth and teens. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western CT State University and has spent the bulk of her nursing career as a School Nurse in both Middle and High Schools.  She has proudly raised three young adults and is a Grammy to one human and 2 dogs.  She lives with her husband and dogs in Wakefield.

A volunteer Board of Directors leads the Kingswood Youth Center. The Finance Committee manages and reports on the Endowment Fund and the organization’s portfolio. The Fundraising Committee seeks out ways to bring funds into the organization by holding various fundraising events both big and small.