By ROGER WOOD, InDepthNH.org

There is a sign on route 1A that welcomes people coming from the town of Rye into the city of Portsmouth. It also indicates that the city was originally incorporated in 1623. The oldest city in the state will soon be commemorated for its 400th birthday. The year 2023 isn’t far away for those who are organizing this planned celebration.

Roger Wood, podcast producer, speaks to Valerie Rochon and Susan Labrie, who are heading up the project.

Valerie Rochon is the Managing Director of Portsmouth NH 400th, Inc., a non-profit organization created to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the City of Portsmouth in 2023.  Valerie served as President and Chief Collaborator of The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth prior to her current commitment to the City of Portsmouth.  She has many years of experience in nonprofit management, destination marketing, and community service.  She has served on the boards of the NH Travel Council and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Portsmouth Host Community Welcoming Committee for the USS New Hampshire, commissioning committee for the USS Manchester, the Portsmouth Citizens Response Task Force, the Seacoast Chamber Alliance, the advisory boards for Great Bay Community College, Granite State College, and Accelerate Women in Hospitality Leadership.  Valerie is a graduate of the University of Vermont’s Vermont Leadership Institute and has a Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Northern Vermont University. 

Susan Labrie graduated from UNH with a civil engineering degree and obtained a master’s in business administration.  After spending many years as an engineer in various disciplines, she switched careers to pursue helping non-profits achieve their goals through active fundraising, marketing, community building, and connecting people to support their success. Susan has served on several history, arts and environmental boards and committees in the Seacoast and remains involved in the family business, the Labrie Group, helping to enhance the guest experience.  She is thrilled to be part of the highly motivated Portsmouth NH 400, Inc team promoting the spirit of Portsmouth culture and people, shining the light on all of Portsmouth and the Seacoast charm and offerings.  Susan lives in Rye with her husband, Michael and adventurous cat, Roxy.

Roger Wood is an award winning radio, podcast, newspaper and television journalist, with over 40 years of experience in the media.   Roger has spent his entire professional career in New Hampshire. Roger currently serves as associate publisher and podcast producer at InDepthNH.org.  In 2021, he was recognized by the New Hampshire Press Association for his work in news podcasts. He has produced news and special feature reports for InDepthNH, New Hampshire Public Radio, NPR, and other public and commercial radio stations.  He also produced spot news for CBS Radio. He has produced and narrated some 50 audiobooks and has written three novels.  Roger has also moderated political forums for Seacoast Area Chambers of Commerce in Senate, gubernatorial and congressional races. He has also facilitated public policy discussions locally and statewide.  Roger and his wife Elaine reside in Portsmouth.

Roger Wood

Associate publisher

Podcast producer and journalist

InDepthNH.org