Charged Up: Meet Laura Van Sant

From Iowa Roots to New Hampshire Resilience: Laura Van Sant’s Path to CPCNH

After two years in South Carolina, Laura returned to New Hampshire—and was greeted by early winter weather. She and her boyfriend, Bruce Campagna, embraced the season with a visit to the Ice Castles in Woodstock, a long-time bucket list destination that didn’t disappoint.

Laura Van Sant joins the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire as Clerk and Administrative Assistant, bringing a deep well of experience in public service, organizational support, and community-focused leadership. With a background that spans legal work, school district operations, and nonprofit administration, Laura is no stranger to multitasking in service of a mission. Today, she supports the CPCNH Board of Directors, Committees, and staff—making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, and that meetings and communications stay clear, timely, and accessible.

After spending time in South Carolina, Laura recently returned to New Hampshire—where she had raised her three children in Brentwood and built a decades-long career rooted in detail, kindness, and commitment to community.

What is your role at CPCNH, and what does a typical day look like for you?

Laura Van Sant: I am the Clerk and Administrative Assistant. I help set up committee and board meetings, prepare the draft minutes, ensure that public notices meet Right to Know Law requirements, and provide day-to-day assistance to Director of Administration Bobbi-Jo Michaels and the rest of the CPCNH staff.

This family photo was taken at Laura’s daughter Brynna’s wedding to Kevin Keeney on November 11, 2024, at Ballenger Bridge in Landrum, South Carolina. Pictured are Laura’s parents, her three brothers, her three children with their partners, and her granddaughter, Raegan. With everyone together in one place, it’s a photo she truly cherishes.

What inspired you to join CPCNH or work in the energy field?

LV: When I moved back to New Hampshire from South Carolina, I knew I wanted to find a role like the one I had as Executive Assistant and Board Clerk for GREEN Charter Schools. When I found the job posting at CPCNH and started learning about the organization, it felt like a great fit. The role was familiar—but what made it even more meaningful was that I grew up in Iowa, where my dad served on the Pella Cooperative Electric Board for 39 years, including 15 as their representative to Central Iowa Power Cooperative. He trained through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, so the world of community energy is something I’ve been connected to my whole life.

What excites you most about Community Power and its potential for New Hampshire?

LV: I’m still learning all the benefits that CPCNH provides to its members, but I’m excited by what I’ve seen so far. It’s inspiring to be part of something that gives communities more choice and control over how they access energy—and to work with people who care deeply about serving their towns and cities.

Laura’s family has enjoyed the Iowa State Fair for decades—it’s where her parents had their first date in 1959. This photo was taken during her 2025 trip with her mom, two aunts, and a cousin.

Can you share something about your background or career path that might surprise people?

LV: I grew up on a farm in Pella, Iowa, with three brothers. After moving to New Hampshire in my early twenties, I lived in Hampton Beach and Brentwood and managed a wholesale store for CB Sullivan Company before staying home to raise my three children. I later worked as a substitute in SAU 16 (Exeter, NH) and then spent 12 years as a paralegal and legal assistant for Attorney Keri Marshall in East Kingston. After she retired, I moved to the Lakes Region and worked in the SAU 2 business office in Meredith. Most recently, I was in Greenville, South Carolina, before moving back to New Hampshire.

Raegan Van Sant, Laura’s first granddaughter, was born on April 11, 2024, to her son and daughter-in-law, Blaise and Bri Van Sant. “There were double rainbows in the sky when she was born, and she truly is a ‘Rae of Sunshine,’” says Laura.

Is there a New Hampshire town or place that holds special meaning to you—or inspires your work?

LV: Brentwood stands out—it’s where I raised my kids. Rye is another favorite; we spent so many summer days at the beach there. And I’ve come to love Lake Winnipesaukee and all the Lakes Region has to offer. I especially enjoy boating in the summer and driving around the lake during the off-season.

What do you love doing outside of work?

LV: Spending time with family is important to me—visiting my kids and granddaughter in South Carolina, seeing family in Iowa, or heading out to my parents’ winter home in Arizona. I love to cook and bake and just be near the water. Those quieter moments—like a fall drive around Lake Winnipesaukee—are some of my favorites.

Laura toured the Navajo-owned Antelope Slot Canyon in Page, Arizona, on New Year’s Eve 2024 with her parents, Norman and Mary Van Zante.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go—and why?

LV: The Greek Islands. I’ve always wanted to go because of the mix of beautiful beaches, architecture, and landscapes.

What energy innovation, policy, or idea are you most excited about for the future?

LV: Having worked in legal, education, and nonprofit roles for most of my career, the energy field is still new to me. But I’m excited to learn more about how CPCNH supports New Hampshire communities—and how energy systems work behind the scenes to deliver value and reliability to people every day.

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Combining her background in administration with a lifelong connection to community service, Laura helps CPCNH deliver on its mission through strong board and operational support.

Explore more CPCNH staff and member spotlights online.