The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to another “Young Professional of the Month,” Dan Walsh.
How old are you? 29
Where do you live? Concord.
Where do you currently work? I work for the Foundation for Healthy Communities in Concord. I’m the program coordinator of the N.H. Med Bank, a medication program through the Foundation and Manchester Community Health Center. I love my work because we help New Hampshire patients who cannot afford their medications.
Where did you go to school? Elementary: St. John Regional School; High School: Bishop Brady; College: Cornell University (BS in Biochemistry); Graduate School: Georgetown University (MS in Biophysics).
What do you like to do for fun? I love slacklining. It’s like tight rope walking but looser. If you see someone slacklining at Rollins Park, White Park, Evo Rock and Fitness, or anywhere in Concord, there is a 99 percent chance it’s me. I’m on it all the time. I just got into highlining a few months ago which is slacklining at heights. I went out to Moab Utah over Thanksgiving where there is a week-long highlining festival over a canyon. I’m now working on rigging something local so I can get better at it. Don’t worry . . . I wear a harness. I created a Facebook group called Slackline New Hampshire where people can post meet-ups. Beginners are encouraged to come! I also love rock climbing, tree climbing, snowboarding, tennis, yoga, swimming and pretty much anything outdoors.
Favorite places to be? Moab, Utah. Lincoln, N.H. Yosemite. Newfound Lake. It’s not just where you are, though. It’s also who you are with!
Last book you’ve read? The Warlord of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I am a huge fan of his Barsoomian series. Concord Public Library has wonderful librarians who are an incredible resource to the community.
How did you find out about CYPN and how has it benefited your business or you personally? Some close friends brought me to a CYPN event. It’s a great way to meet new friends and colleagues!
What organizations are you involved with? CYPN, Slackline New Hampshire, Slackline U.S., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Kairos Church of the Woods.
Most inspirational person in your life: I can’t pinpoint one person. I have so many amazing and talented family members, friends and mentors.
Greatest role model? My dad.
What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? Walking through the trails near Turkey Pond and swimming at the boat docks.
Favorite movie of all time? I can’t answer this because I like way too many movies. Kyle Savage, my friend and another awesome Concord person, is my durable power of attorney for movies and can answer this on my behalf because I pretty much watch and love whatever he recommends. For instance, The Big Short just became my new favorite movie, and you know who texted me about it? Kyle Savage. He has a gift for reviewing anything.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? Dos Amigos just hits the spot. There are so many great places though. I have a hard time deciding. I’ll defer to Kyle Savage on this one again.
What is one of your life goals? Fun goal: To highline between the buildings above downtown Concord during Market Days. Work goal: To help improve our state and nation’s healthcare infrastructure, but also bring awareness to improving individual health.
What has been your favorite CYPN event so far? The Area 23 Networking and open mic event. That place is awesome.
Favorite famous person? Eleanor Roosevelt. I admire people who go through a lot of personal challenges, acknowledge their fear and insecurities, and push through them to make their dreams come true. She was a badass.
If you could visit any country, where would you go? I really want to go to Switzerland right now because it is a hotspot for highlining in the mountains there. I’d like to meet up with some of the slackers out there, camp, hike and work on my highlining with them.
Where is the best place you’ve visited? I am in love with Utah right now. Moab, Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Castle Valley. The geological formations and natural beauty are phenomenal.
Who would you really like to meet? Anyone who is interested in slacklining.
Tell us a few interesting facts about yourself! I make beer from time to time. I love amber ales and IPAs. I built my own home computer. My friend and I have our own investment club. I drink chaga tea. I don’t like olives or cheese on my sandwiches. I love chips, guac and salsa.
About CYPN: The Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) is a professional and personal development initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. CYPN is a vibrant program that has grown to 2,000 members and promotes networking opportunities for young professionals (generally 22-40s) by helping them make connections in the community and providing them with a professional, casual and non-intimidating setting. Free networking/enrichment events are held on the third Wednesday of every month at various Concord venues. CYPN and the Chamber also offer a monthly Lunch & Learn Series on the first Thursday of each month. For information about upcoming events, please visit concordnhchamber.com and “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/concordypn.
