Kismet Rock Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kismet Rock Foundation
PO Box 1744, North Conway, NH 03860
Contact: Dana Etra, Board Chair
Office: 603.730.2001
Email: [email protected]
North Conway, NH, December 2025 – The Kismet Rock Foundation, a North Conway-based nonprofit organization that offers rock climbing to under-served youth throughout New England, announced Katrina Meserve as the new Executive Director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Katrina, who will bring new and diverse strengths to our small team of year-round staff,” said Board Chair Dana Etra. “We are also incredibly proud of our accomplishments over the past few years, and grateful that Krissy Fraser, who has had to step down as Executive Director to focus on family, will stay involved with Kismet.”
Meserve brings a spectrum of strengths to the organization, including experience working in youth development programs, non-profit experience (most recently working with the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust), and a passion for rock climbing. “Her background provides relevant and valuable perspective to Kismet as we enter our twenty-seventh year of programs,” said Etra. “Our team remains steadfast in our goal of serving students across New England, and we look forward to working with Katrina in continuing to pursue that mission.”
“I am excited to join Kismet at such an important time in its history. Through the tireless work of Krissy and the team, Kismet is in a position for many more years of stability and growth,” said Meserve. “Kismet has a mission that matters, dedicated community support, and employees and a board that are committed to improving the lives of the students we serve.”
Kismet Rock Foundation serves youth from eight New England towns including Portland and Fryeburg, ME, Manchester, Berlin, Gorham and Bartlett, NH. Every student is provided a scholarship to attend a one-week program each summer for four years.
To learn more and support Kismet Rock Foundation visit kismetrockfoundation.org.
Founded in 2000 by Mike Jewell, Kismet Rock Foundation nourishes the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of underserved rural and urban children throughout New England before they enter their formative teen years. Our success in redirecting the path and supporting the potential of children is accomplished by providing a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing within the context of a stable and loving family-like atmosphere.