Called the “quintessential quiet Yankee” by those who know him, Forrest McKerley built his family’s Penacook nursing home into a statewide elder care provider. Prior to working in the family business, Forrest was a senior executive with American Express. He is also a co-owner of the Grappone Conference Center and Secure Care Products in Concord. Named Citizen of the Year by the Concord Chamber of Commerce in 2005, McKerley was recognized as much for his community contributions as his business.

Throughout his career, he has given generously of his expertise as a member of many boards, including the New Hampshire Historical Society, the New Hampshire Council for the Arts, and Concord Hospital. In addition, he is an active Mason and helped establish the state?s first learning center devoted to children with dyslexia. Forrest also served his country in the Korean War.

A long-time supporter of the University of New Hampshire, McKerley has served as a member of the Whittemore School of Business and Economics Executive Board, UNH Advocates for Higher Education, and the School of Health and Human Services Dean?s Leadership Council. He endowed a faculty chair in health economics, established the Everett B. Sackett Professorship Fund, and was a founding board member of the UNH Foundation.