Courtesy photo Cheryl Lindner is slated to become the new chief of staff for Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess on June 10. She takes over for Kim Kleiner, who is now the full-time administrative services director.

NASHUA – Longtime city resident Cheryl Lindner is ready for a new challenge, which she will begin June 10 as the new chief of staff to Mayor Jim Donchess.

“I’m very excited to start in the new role, and I really am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that will present themselves as part of that position, and just happy to be able to give back to the city,” Lindner told The Telegraph.

Donchess confirmed Lindner’s hiring late Wednesday. Friday, officials said Lindner will be paid $86,236 per year.

Lindner will replace Kim Kleiner, who has taken the position of full-time administrative services director. Kleiner is slated to earn about $105,000 per year in her new job.

Lindner is married and has lived in Nashua for 25 years since 1994. Her two daughters attended the city’s school system. Through the years, she has made many friendships and built relationships. She said to have the opportunity to give back to the city and the people living here was very gratifying for her.

“That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to do it,” Lindner said. “It’s a way to give back to my community that has done so much for me and my family.”

Lindner has a background in management, finance and development, experience she believes will help her perform her new job. She will enter City Hall with an extensive background, including most recently serving as vice president for the St. Joseph Community Services Meals on Wheels program, a position in which she managed daily operations, finance and development.

From March 2014 through November 2017, she was the assistant general manager for the Nashua Silver Knights. While working with the summer collegiate baseball team, she managed finances, strategic planning, human resources and staff recruitment, and also created community engagement projects and successful partnerships with nonprofits.

Additionally, she also previously served as president of the Great American Downtown board of directors.

“Cheryl’s knowledge of and passion for Nashua, as well as her leadership skills and strong background in management, finance and community engagement, make her a perfect fit for the chief of staff position,” Donchess said of her hiring.

Aside from Lindner’s professional history, she has also volunteered a lot of her time in the Nashua community, serving as chairperson of Arts and Entertainment Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee for the Parish of the Resurrection, vice chairperson for the New Hampshire Nutrition Incentives Network, and as a member of Rotary Club of Nashua.

Lindner said for her, volunteering has always been a part of her life, even dating back to when she was growing up in Pennsylvania. She said her mom and dad always instilled a sense of giving back in her.

“That’s always been a part of my life,” Lindner said.

As her children went through school, Lindner also gave her time to volunteer wherever she was needed and wherever she could. She looks at this new position the same way.

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