DOVER – Catapult Seacoast, the region’s young professionals’ network (YPN), announced the winners of its 12th annual 10 to Watch contest, recognizing promising young professionals under 40 who live or work in the area Wednesday night at the Rivermill at Dover Landing.

 

The 2025 10 to Watch are Lindsey Belo, Kate Constantine, Andy DeMeo, Troy Farkas, Krysta Gingue, Auburn Herrgesell, Ethan Keslar, Nora Happny McMorran, Austin Mikolaities, and Devin Oot.

 

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony and reception emceed by Catapult Seacoast’s Vice President Elizabeth Mullen, and Community Liaison Julia Healy.  The evening featured a keynote address from Lori Waltz, Executive Director of Leadership Seacoast and remarks from Catapult Seacoast President Kaley Gagne.

 

During her remarks, Gagne shared the news that Catapult Seacoast was recently named YPN of the Year by Stay Work Play New Hampshire at their annual Rising Stars Awards in October.

 

        - Kaley Gagne, President, Catapult Seacoast

 

Catapult Seacoast is a community networking group for young professionals who live and/or work in the Seacoast area. They create an intentional space for 20- and 30- “somethings” from all industries to connect, network, learn, and grow as professionals and individuals.

 

Catapult events are an excellent way for young people to meet local business leaders, build relationships with other local young professionals, and leverage opportunities to increase personal and professional networks through social and educational activities.

 

Catapult Seacoast is supported by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth, the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Somersworth Community Chamber of Commerce.

 

Catapult is an organization on the rise… I think that this particular catapult seacoast cohort has great leadership and a lot of participants that are willing to do a lot of things in their community. 
        – John Nhyan, President, Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

Volunteers at Stay Work Play, a statewide organization that works to attract and retain young talent throughout New Hampshire, presided over a blind selection process that identified a total of 20 finalists, which in addition to the winners included Kirsten J. Allen, Rachael Bator, Anna Greenslade, Hannah Lightcap, Danielle Nonamaker, Caitlin Piper, Alyssa Rosenzweig, James Tobin, Ashley Wheeler, and Hansini Sharma Woodbury

 

        - Auburn Herrgesell, 10 to Watch Recipient (2025), St. Mary’s Bank.

 

The 2025 10 to Watch contest was sponsored by Newburyport Bank, Kennebunk Savings, Malloy Events, Bangor Savings Bank, Novocure, Sheehan Phinney, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

 

Each 10 to Watch recipient was able to direct a $250 donation to the charity of their choice through the generosity of Eversource. This year beneficiaries were as Annie’s Angels, Arts in Reach, Best Buddies NH, the Birchtree Center, Breakthrough T1D, Dover Children’s Home, Hampton Family & Child Program, HAVEN, NH Toy Library Network, and Seacoast Eat Local.

 

It's really an honor to help highlight these up-and-coming individuals.  We are pleased to help sponsor this event and celebrate that these people are not only staying here after college but making an impact [in our communities]. 
        – Jeffrey Jackson, Eversource.

 

Lindsey is a Financial Advisor and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) at Edward Jones, earning recognition for her passion for community as well as professional performance. She leads as President of the Seabrook Lions Club, chairs the Hampton Chamber Ambassadors, and founded women’s networking groups like Excelerate HER and Ladies Lunch. Recently featured in Seacoast Scene, Lindsey helps organize the HER Conference and fundraises for Best Buddies NH—all while championing connection, empowerment, and community service.

 

Kate Constantine

Kate is Events and Engagement Manager at Gather, where she’s played an integral role in developing its new headquarters and leads major initiatives like Fill the Hall and the Thanksgiving Drive. She’s forged creative partnerships, launched campaigns like “Weekend of Love,” and is collaborating on a regional Food Access Guide. A Leadership Seacoast alum, Kate amplifies Gather’s mission by blending advocacy, networking, and creativity to strengthen food access across the region.

 

Andy DeMeo

Andy is the creator and host of Granite Goodness, a podcast and newsletter spotlighting progress and innovation across New England. He’s produced 60+ interviews with statewide leaders, co-hosted TEDxPortsmouth 2025, and organizes Sustainabilibrews, a 200-member young professionals network. A champion of community and sustainability, Andy amplifies good news, mentors students, and drives impact through storytelling and connection.

 

Troy Farkas

Troy is the voice behind Seacoast Stories, a top-ten podcast amplifying local businesses, nonprofits, and residents. He’s produced 50 episodes in under a year, hosted sold-out live events, created the Seacoast Stories Dinner Club, and dedicated shows to highlighting local causes and organizations, like Gather. A former ESPN and Spotify podcaster, Troy is also an author and yoga instructor, fusing storytelling, wellness, and community connection.

 

Krysta Gingue

Krysta is Assistant Director of Employer Relations at UNH, where she created the Employer Partnership Program and streamlined operations using Lean Six Sigma practices. She also manages events at Stella’s Café and champions housing solutions as a Dover Housing Authority Commissioner and former city committee member. A Leadership Seacoast participant and recipient of the Marshall E. Dimock Public Service Award, Krysta blends innovation, equity, and community leadership.

 

Auburn Herrgesell

Auburn is a Business Development Officer at St. Mary’s Bank, where she helped launch two Seacoast branches and created a Member Advisory Board to strengthen community ties. A true connector, Auburn leads financial wellness workshops for women and families, volunteers with HAVEN, and serves on boards and groups like the Tenants’ Association at Pease (TAP) and Portsmouth Rotary—building bridges and giving back at every turn.

 

Ethan Keslar

Ethan is a standout at Keslar Insurance, driving growth for the organization. Beyond business, he founded the Steve Durgan Memorial Golf Tournament, raised $24,000 for scholarships, and leads fundraisers for breast cancer awareness. A natural leader and connector, Ethan combines professional success with a passion for service through BNI, fitness, and building community impact.

 

Nora Happny McMorran

Nora is the Development & Communications Manager at HAVEN NH, leading strategic outreach for violence prevention. As the founder of Just Ask Nora, she amplifies local businesses and creatives through storytelling and social media. A former nonprofit director and board chair for Seacoast Soul Models, Nora blends marketing expertise with community leadership, mentoring at creative conferences and championing causes from youth empowerment to food access.

 

Austin Mikolaities

Austin is a business attorney at Shaheen & Gordon, helping small businesses thrive while handling complex corporate and real estate transactions. He spearheaded free legal services for entrepreneurs through the NH SBDC and serves on boards like Dover Children’s Home and OurPlace NH. Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Austin combines expertise with deep community commitment.

 

Devin Oot

Devin is Senior Manager of Public Affairs at Novocure, leading global charitable initiatives and local government relations for a company advancing cancer care. She builds impactful nonprofit partnerships, advocates for patient access, and serves on multiple boards. A Leadership Seacoast alum, Devin has earned the HAVEN Life Changer Award and New Futures Achievement Award for her unwavering commitment to community and service.