From Their Hands to Yours

Stories from the Market

Salem NH Farmers Market Announces New Board Leadership for the Year Ahead

Margaret Keith, Market and Community Engagement Manager, and Susan Nelson, Director of Marketing

Salem, NH — The Salem NH Farmers Market (SNHFM) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Emily Samatis as president and Chris Powers as secretary, effective immediately. Their appointments come as the market enters the new year with renewed energy and a continued commitment to supporting local farmers, food producers and the Greater Salem community, following the market’s 15th anniversary and ongoing recognition as a leader among New Hampshire farmers markets.

“At its core, the Salem NH Farmers Market exists to help local farmers and small businesses grow,” said Dianna Fallon, treasurer of the board. “Emily and Chris bring both professional expertise and a deep appreciation for our mission that will help guide the market thoughtfully into its next chapter.”

Samatis previously served as secretary of the board and brings strong institutional knowledge along with established relationships with vendors, community partners and fellow board members. With more than two decades of experience in marketing and digital engagement, she steps into the role at a time when farmers markets nationwide are adapting to evolving consumer habits and increased competition from online and large-scale grocery platforms. Her leadership will focus on strengthening outreach, deepening community connections and ensuring the market remains accessible to all shoppers while continuing to provide a low-cost storefront for local farmers, producers and artisans.

“I’m honored to step into this role and build upon the incredible foundation our market has established,” Samatis said. “My goal is to strengthen the bonds between our local farmers and the community they serve. We want to ensure the Salem NH Farmers Market continues to be not only a place to shop for fresh, local food, but a vital hub for connection, education and community life.”

Chris Powers has also been appointed secretary of the board. A longtime board member, Powers brings working knowledge of the market along with a deep, hands-on connection to cooking with seasonal, locally sourced food. Known to many as the market’s chef, he regularly hosts cooking demonstrations that help home cooks confidently prepare and enjoy the flavors of the market. In his new role, Powers will support board operations while continuing to strengthen the connection between local producers and the everyday kitchens they inspire. 

“Stepping into this role is an opportunity to give back to a market that gives so much to our community,” Powers said. “I’m looking forward to continuing the important work of the board and connecting people with the food, farmers and flavors that make this market special.” 

Founded in 2010, the Salem NH Farmers Market has grown into a year-round community resource serving hundreds of customers weekly. The market’s work extends beyond commerce, emphasizing education, access and community well-being. Through programs such as the market’s signature SNAP/EBT Match Program and Granite State Market Match, SNHFM expands access to fresh, healthy food for families facing food insecurity. Partnerships with initiatives like Vouchers for Veterans further support veterans and active-duty service members, while ongoing donations and collaborations benefit local nonprofits, schools and community organizations.

“The Salem NH Farmers Market board of directors plays a critical role in stewarding this work,” said Susan Nelson, director of marketing. “With Emily and Chris stepping into these leadership roles, we are strengthening programs that expand access to fresh, local food for all members of our community, while preserving the community-centered spirit that defines our market.”

Open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Winter Market is held at the Mary A. Fisk Elementary School in Salem through April. The Summer Market moves outdoors to The Mall at Rockingham Park beginning in May.

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About the Salem NH Farmers Market

Founded in 2010, the Salem NH Farmers Market (SNHFM) is a year-round, recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the local food system through education, food access, and support for local farmers and small food producers. Guided by a volunteer board of directors, the market advances community well-being by increasing access to fresh, locally produced food and fostering meaningful connections between farmers and the community.

The Winter Market is held Sundays, November through April, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mary A. Fisk Elementary School in Salem. The Summer Market runs May through October at The Mall at Rockingham Park, adjacent to The Field at DICK’S House of Sport, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit salemnhfarmersmarket.org.

Media Contact:
Susan Nelson
Director of Marketing
susan.nelson@salemnhfarmersmarket.org