Governor Ayotte Appoints Kelly Cohen to Board and Michael Scala as Chair 

August 27, 2025

Governor Kelly Ayotte has appointed Kelly Cohen of Bedford to the New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors. She is the President and Founder of Cohen Closing and Title, a leading provider of real estate title and settlement services headquartered in Bedford, New Hampshire.

Under her leadership, the firm has become a trusted name in the region’s real estate industry and has been recognized by Business NH Magazine as one of the Fastest Growing Women-Led Companies and a Best Company to Work For. Cohen’s leadership has also been honored individually—she was named a 2025 Outstanding Women in Business recipient by New Hampshire Business Review. In addition to her professional achievements, she brings a strong record of community engagement, serving on the boards of Granite State Children’s Alliance, BeBOLD, and Swim With A Mission in an advisory capacity, and as an appointed member of the New Hampshire Judicial Selection Commission. 

In addition to welcoming a new member, Michael Scala of Rochester has been appointed by Governor Ayotte to serve as chair of the New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors. He serves as the Director of Economic Development with the City of Rochester, NH. The nine-member board is appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. 

As a self-supporting public corporation, New Hampshire Housing promotes, finances and supports housing solutions for the people of New Hampshire. Its Homeownership Division works with a statewide network of lenders and real estate professionals to offer single-family mortgage programs that enable low- and moderate-income homebuyers to purchase or refinance a home. The Multifamily Housing Division manages the financing of new affordable multifamily rental unit construction, and refinances and recapitalizes existing properties to preserve affordable housing units. The Assisted Housing Division administers the Housing Choice Voucher program for very low-income individuals and families, as well as other rental assistance programs. Additionally, the Engagement, Policy, and Communications Group conducts research, issues reports, and offers presentations and insights on the state’s housing needs and conditions. It works with local partners on housing advocacy issues and offers technical assistance to communities throughout the state on housing-related matters.