Public Health Director Bobbie Bagley was recently chosen as Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers-New Hampshire Chapter. Courtesy photo/City of Nashua

NASHUA – Public Health Director Bobbie Bagley was recently chosen as Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers-New Hampshire Chapter.

The celebration will be held on March 27 from 8-11 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 172 North Main St. in Concord.

This statewide honor is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the well-being of the community and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights.

Bagley was nominated by Melbourne Moran, founder and CEO of Wanderlust Therapeutic Services, for her tireless efforts to assist Nashua’s homeless population.

“The NASW-NH Selection Committee, which I am not a member of, specifically highlighted Director Bagley’s extraordinary leadership and personal sacrifice during the high-pressure events of 2025,” said Moran.

In addition to her 25-year career in public health, during the past year, Bagley has maintained a consistent physical presence in the field. This included providing critical overnight and late-night coverage at the Elm Street School warming station, ensuring that the basic human needs of our residents were met during peak crisis hours.

Throughout the city’s enforcement of the Pine Street Extension ordinances, Bagley served as a vital voice for the integration of public health science into municipal policy. She remained steadfast in her professional assessment that the displacement of the unhoused must be balanced with evidence-based health referrals and long-term stabilization.

The award recognizes Bagley’s courage in navigating complex political landscapes to advocate for the Housing First and Prevention models she has taught as an adjunct professor at Rivier University. Bagley’s recognition brings positive statewide attention to the city’s public health infrastructure. Her ability to bridge the gap between clinical nursing, academic theory and boots-on-the-ground crisis response has fortified our city’s reputation as a leader in community health. Her work continues to ensure that Nashua remains a community that values both public order and the inherent dignity of every citizen.