The Franklin Pierce University Board of Trustees announces the appointment of new members Ellen Arnold, Trent Spiner and Alexandra (Marella) Johnson.

“On behalf of the entire university, I am delighted to welcome Ms. Arnold, Mr. Spiner, and Ms. Johnson to our board of trustees,” stated university President Kim Mooney. “Their diverse backgrounds and experiences embody the spirit of Franklin Pierce – a commitment to excellence, a passion for learning and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.”

Arnold is an attorney with experience in land use development, real estate, energy and environmental law. She most recently served as of-counsel attorney at McLane Middleton in Manchester. She is also the founder and manager at Arnold Land Consulting, serving as an attorney and strategic partner for clients on the issues of land use, real estate development and higher education.

From 2001 to 2019, she was director of real estate and associate general counsel at Dartmouth College, serving as lead in-house counsel for college real estate and campus services. In her role, Arnold managed the college’s environmental issues, energy initiatives and community affairs, and was responsible for planning and permitting large and complex construction projects.

Prior to her time at Dartmouth, Arnold was a litigation director at McLane Middleton, where she chaired the firm’s land use practice group. She is a former president of the New Hampshire Bar Association and was one of the first women appointed as a judge in the Granite State.

Arnold holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Skidmore College and a juris doctorate from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

Spiner is a journalist who has worked for both New Hampshire and national news organizations. Since 2020, he has served as editor-in-chief for the American Psychological Association (APA), one of the largest professional associations in the country focused on psychology, mental health, combating misinformation and disinformation, DEI initiatives and technology. He leads a team of editors and writers responsible for APA’s national magazine, Monitor on Psychology, which was named the top association magazine in the country in 2022. He also runs the association’s overall content strategy, which includes the production of digital, print and multimedia stories.

Before joining APA, Spiner covered the 2020 presidential election for Politico. From 2014 to 2019, Spiner was executive editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader, and from 2010 to 2014, he was the evening assignment editor and web producer for ABC News affiliate WMUR-TV in Manchester.

Spiner has been nominated for two Emmy awards, been named one of the top young editors in the country by Editor & Publisher, recognized as one of the Union Leader’s “40 Under 40” and named a “must-follow journalist” by Politico. A 2007 graduate of Franklin Pierce, Spiner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a minor in political science.

Johnson has been appointed as the first Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) board member. The GOLD seat was created to foster greater collaboration and input from younger alumni. Those appointed as GOLD board members must have graduated from Franklin Pierce no fewer than three years ago, but no more than 10 years ago. Johnson will serve a two-year term and is considered a full board member with all rights and privileges.

Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Franklin Pierce, is employed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). Originally from Connecticut, she stayed in the Monadnock region following her graduation from FPU.

As a student, she was involved in community service projects, Pierce Activities Council, Student Government Association, Peer Leader Program, Alternative Spring Break and Sistuhs. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work and counseling, and a certificate in women and leadership.

“In welcoming these three new members to the Franklin Pierce University Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to emphasize the invaluable wealth of experience they bring to our institution,” stated board Chair Frederick W. Pierce IV. “Their unique backgrounds and expertise promise to enrich and empower Franklin Pierce for years to come as we continue to focus on long-term growth and sustainability.”