The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) honored Tom Raffio, president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, with the Walter R. Peterson Education and Public Service Award at a celebration on Oct. 1 at NHTI - Concord’s Community College. The award recognizes Raffio’s impactful leadership and support of public higher education in New Hampshire.

In remarks made during the award presentation, CCSNH Chancellor Dr. Mark Rubinstein said: “The Walter Peterson Award honors his legacy by recognizing others whose dedication to service is so boundless it can’t be defined by the formal roles in which they serve but flows seamlessly into all facets of the lives they live here in the Granite State. That is true of all the past recipients and our honoree this evening, my friend, and virtually everyone’s friend: Tom Raffio.”

More than 200 people joined the pep-rally-styled reception for the award, the theme of which embraced Tom Raffio’s role as leader and motivator. The Walter R. Peterson Award recognizes individuals who reflect the late governor’s values, his legacy of public service, and his commitment to higher education. Peterson served as New Hampshire’s governor from 1969 to 1973 and remained a strong supporter of higher education throughout his life, including as a trustee of CCSNH.

Under Raffio’s leadership, Northeast Delta Dental, a not-for-profit dental insurance company serving New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, created the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation to support oral health programs in northern New England. The company has also been a steadfast supporter of New Hampshire’s community colleges, with corporate support that has exceeded $1.5 million. Raffio has spearheaded major investments in NHTI’s dental hygiene program to address the demand for a shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants, and he and his wife, Ellen, have also made significant personal commitments to NHTI Athletics.

“Like Walter Peterson, let us continue to unlock the potential of our citizens, our state, and our communities,” Raffio said. “I'm honored to receive this award because first, Walter was a personal mentor to me, beginning when I arrived in Concord in 1995 to become president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental. I thought it would be a quick five-year gig, but I soon learned what a special place New Hampshire is and the limitless opportunities to make a significant impact here. It was the perfect state for my skill set and commitment to service. So, 30 years later, the rest is history. This award reaffirms my commitment to create opportunities for all. I in turn encourage you to continue contributing to New Hampshire and our community.”

In addition to his work on behalf of New Hampshire’s community colleges, Raffio is an engaged civic leader providing innovative leadership to a wide range of non-profit and community organizations, including the New Hampshire Coalition for Business and Education, the Arthritis Leadership Council of Northern New England, Early Learning NH, and the New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts, to name just a few. He is also an active Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire. 

The prestigious Walter R. Peterson Award is presented every other year through The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges. Past recipients include former Governor John Lynch, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Barbara Couch of Hypertherm, Alex Ray of The Common Man, Paul Holloway of Holloway Motors, and technology entrepreneur Jeremy Hitchcock.