A single conversation about wood heating solutions turned into nearly a decade of leadership for Tabitha Bowling—and positive impact for Northern Forest communities.

In 2016, Vermont entrepreneur Tabitha Bowling was driving south and realized she would pass through Concord, New Hampshire, where the Northern Forest Center is headquartered. Having just completed a Center program encouraging people to convert to wood pellets for heat, Bowling had ideas to share. She reached out, wondering if Center staff would want to talk.

They did. That one conversation—rooted in listening—sparked a relationship that grew into nine years of board service, including time as vice chair and chair.

“What makes the Center unique is that three out of four board meetings every year are held in communities where there are ongoing projects,” Bowling said. “It is very humanizing—very anchored in the community experience.”

Listening First, Leading Change

That local grounding is one of the Center’s hallmarks. “We start by listening, then co-develop solutions that reflect each community’s priorities. Our approach builds trust and ensures that projects are actionable, sustainable, and replicable,” said Bowling.

Bowling helped champion this approach in Millinocket, Maine, which led to the launch of the Center’s housing work through the Millinocket Housing Initiative—a project close to her heart.

Once a thriving mill town, Millinocket had fallen into economic decline after the mills closed. Properties were neglected, real estate prices had plummeted, and the lack of quality housing made it hard for hospitals, schools, and other essential institutions to attract and retain employees.

Working closely with local leaders, the Center stepped in, purchasing and converting rundown properties into quality, middle-market apartments. The initiative created 11 homes, helping local employers fill critical positions and bringing new life to downtown.

Building Capacity, Multiplying Impact

The impact didn’t stop there. The Center made additional investments that multiplied local efforts, helping to revamp the library, boost outdoor recreation, create a new town plan, and install fresh signage. That work continues today.

“We are able to empower the people on the front lines, and that makes a huge difference,” Bowling said.

For Bowling, the return on this work isn’t just economic or even social—it’s deeply personal. “The internal rate of return with the Center is very high. And what I mean by ‘internal’ here is your heart and your spirit. For every hour I’ve put in, I’ve gotten multiples back, and that makes me feel pretty good.”