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NHMA Staff
Margaret M.L. Byrnes
Margaret has served as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Municipal Association since 2019. She joined NHMA in 2014 as a staff attorney. Previously, she was an associate attorney with the firm Hage Hodes, P.A. in Manchester and an adjunct professor of legal research and writing at Northeastern University School of Law, Suffolk Law School, and The Massachusetts School of Law. Margaret has an M.B.A. from The University of New Hampshire Paul School of Business, a J.D. from the Massachusetts School of Law, and a B.A. in English Language and Literature and Classical Languages from Smith College, and volunteers as a CASA (Guardian ad Litem) for CASA of New Hampshire.
Stephen C. Buckley
Stephen Buckley directs NHMA's legal services program, with responsibility for providing legal advice to members and overseeing training programs and educational publications for municipal officials. He was in the private practice of law from 1984 to 2014 concentrating in representing municipalities. In his hometown of Bow, Steve was a member of the planning board for 12 years and served as a member of the budget committee, and he currently serves as an alternate member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment. He is a past chairman and current member of the executive committee of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission, and he is currently chairman of the New Hampshire Association of Regional Planning Commissions. Steve received his B.A. from San Diego State University and his J.D. from UNH School of Law.
Jonathan Cowal
Jonathan Cowal provides both legislative and legal services to NHMA’s member municipalities. Before joining NHMA, Jonathan served as a prosecutor in both Rockingham and Hillsborough County in the special victim’s unit. Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State University and his law degree from New England School of Law in Boston. Jonathan worked briefly as an associate attorney at the law firm of Falbo, Solari and Goldberg in Winthrop, Massachusetts before becoming an Assistant District Attorney for Essex County in 2015.
Brodie Deshaies
Brodie joined NHMA as a Legislative Advocate in December 2024, providing advocacy services to our cities and towns before the state legislature and other state policymakers. Before joining the NHMA staff, he worked as the Communications & Policy Manager for NH Hunger Solutions. Brodie’s previous work experiences include being a political consultant and project manager, coordinating political campaigns, and serving as a NH State Representative. He graduated from Saint Anselm College with a BA in History and English and a minor in Philosophy. Brodie also serves as a Member at Large on the Governor Wentworth Regional School Board, and he owns two black cats named Marlow and Mason (named after NH towns starting with the letter “M”). He previously had a black cat named Meredith.
Marty Karlon
Marty Karlon joined NHMA as a Research and Policy Analyst in December 2024. Before joining NMHA, he was Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs at the NH Retirement System for 14 years. Marty’s previous work experience includes serving in several senior editing roles at The Telegraph of Nashua, including Sunday editor, managing editor and online editor. He received his B.A. in English and communications from Assumption University.
Judith Pellowe
Judith Pellowe manages the finance and human resources for the Association and its employees, and assists the Executive Director in managing the administrative functions. Before joining NHMA, Judith was the business office manager for a medical practice on the New Hampshire Seacoast. Judith received her B.A. from Wells College, and a degree in accounting from McIntosh College. Judith is also certified in Human Resources by the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute.
Miranda Augustine
Miranda Augustine serves as Editor in Chief of Town and City Magazine and NewsLink. She coordinates all communications, publications, member webinars, and advertising initiatives, while also managing the Association’s website. Additionally, she handles all sponsorships and graphic design. Prior to joining NHMA in 2024, Miranda served as marketing coordinator for Bank of New Hampshire. Miranda holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.
Ashley Methot
Ashley Methot assumed the position of Conference and Workshop Coordinator with NHMA in April, 2014. Ashley has held other positions such as Benefits and Wellness Associate and Event Planning Associate during her 9 year career with HealthTrust, Inc. Ashley is the "behind the scenes" coordinator for various events such as the Budget & Finance Workshops, Municipal Law Lecture Series and the NHMA Annual Conference in November. Ashley holds a B.A. degree in Sociology from Keene State College.
Pam Valley
Pam Valley is often the first voice you hear when calling NHMA. Pam is the “behind the scenes” coordinator for dozens of activities, such as NHMA board meetings and publication of theLegislative Bulletin. Before joining NHMA in 1996, Pam worked for a private law firm in Concord, New Hampshire.