NASHUA, NH – Bobbie Bagley, Director of the Division of Public Health and Community Services, has been selected by the National Association of Social Workers, New Hampshire Chapter (NASW-NH) as the 2026 Citizen of the Year.
This prestigious statewide honor is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the well-being of the community and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights.
Earlier this year Director Bagley was nominated by Melbourne Moran Jr. for NASW-NH Citizen of the Year 2026 for her work with the unhoused in the City of Nashua. The NASW-NH selection committee specifically highlighted Director Bagley’s extraordinary leadership and personal sacrifice during the high-pressure events of 2025. While her 25-year career in public health is distinguished, her actions over the past year stood out as a model for public service:
- Frontline Crisis Management: Unlike many executive-level officials, Director Bagley maintained a consistent physical presence in the field. This included providing critical overnight and late-night coverage at the Elm Street School warming station, ensuring that the basic human needs of our residents were met during peak crisis hours.
- Evidence-Based Advocacy: Throughout the city’s enforcement of the Pine Street Extension ordinances, Director Bagley served as a vital voice for the integration of public health science into municipal policy. She remained steadfast in her professional assessment that the displacement of the unhoused must be balanced with evidence-based health referrals and long-term stabilization.
- Commitment to Health Equity: The award recognizes her courage in navigating complex political landscapes to advocate for the “Housing First” and “Prevention” models she has long taught as an adjunct at Rivier University.
Director Bagley’s recognition brings positive statewide attention to the City of Nashua’s public health infrastructure. Her ability to bridge the gap between clinical nursing, academic theory, and boots-on-the-ground crisis response has fortified our city’s reputation as a leader in community health.
We invite the Mayor’s Office and the Board of Aldermen to join us in congratulating Director Bagley on this significant achievement. Her work continues to ensure that Nashua remains a community that values both public order and the inherent dignity of every citizen.
The Celebration will be held on Friday March 27, 2026, from 8 – 11 a.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Concord. Click here to register.