40 Under Forty

January 31. 2012 3:17PM

Diana Holland has been recognized for going above and beyond in her daily work at Merchants

By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON
Union Leader Correspondent

Diana Holland

Diana Holland, 32

Home: Litchfield
Birthplace: Malden, Mass.
Family: Husband, Christopher Holland; parents, Dante and Grace Abbene, Linda Holland (in-law); grandparents, Bob and Linda Kuzoian, Marie Abbene Siblings: Rene Ciccone and Brian McEvoy, Keith and Laura Bloom, Ross and Angela Barber, Marialaina Abbene and Rich Tomolonis, Dani Abbene, Mike and Melissa Buker (in-law), Brian and Season Holland (in-law); nieces and nephews: Frankie Ciccone, Ava Weld, Cole Buker (in-law), Morgan Buker (in-law), Cavan Buker (in-law), Josephine Holland (in-law)
High School: Alvirne High School, Hudson
College/post grad degrees: Bachelor of science in marketing, Southern New Hampshire University
Current job: Director of Fleet Services, Merchants Leasing, also vice president at Say It Write
Key past positions held: Director of marketing, Merchants Automotive Group; marketing consultant for Outstanding Marketing Solutions
Volunteer activities: Former advisory board member for The Salvation Army Manchester, member of the Kettle Committee raising over $20,000 annually for the Salvation Army's kettle campaign, Kids Caf�, Gail Singer Memorial Blood Drive, New Hampshire Union Leader Santa Fund Kickoff Luncheon
Most admired person (outside your family): The Singer Family and Phil Ryan
Key current professional challenge: Personally, I am working to incorporate life-long health and wellness into my lifestyle to ensure professional stamina and energy to achieve lofty professional goals. From a business perspective, repositioning the company as a comprehensive fleet solutions provider, not just a commercial vehicle-leasing company, in order to achieve significant growth in fleet products and services offerings (growth goals to double the business in three to five years). Also, supporting my husband as he expands and grows his New Hampshire-based business, Say It Write www.sayitwriteonline.com
Last major achievement: as a member of the 2011 Kettle Committee – assisted in coordinating volunteers to ring the bell at various N.H. locations and raised over $20,000 to benefit the Salvation Army, The 2011 Basket Auction at the Santa Fund Luncheon (three-hour event) raised nearly $4,500 to support the Santa Fund. 2009 Finalist for the N.H. Startup Challenge for Say It Write, 2009 Positive Corporate Role Model Award (awarded by The Salvation Army), 2006 Chairman Award of Excellence (Merchants Automotive Group)
Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: Achieving economic growth while maintaining the attributes about this state that make it such a fabulous place to live (beauty/lack of overcrowding, no sales tax, no income tax, etc.).
Favorite place in New Hampshire: There are so many! White Mountains, Portsmouth and the Seacoast
What book are you reading now? “The Ultimate Question 2.0 How NET PROMOTER Companies Thrive in a Customer-Driven World” by Fred Reichheld
How do you relax? Read, attend and watch sporting events, spend time with family and in the warmer months, go for a ride with the top down in our Jeep Wrangler – our day trips have taken us across this beautiful state!
What websites do you visit most often? Typically trade publications for the commercial fleet industry – Automotive Fleet, also on a personal level, I frequent NHL.com, ESPN.com, and stay up on various social media outlets.
Favorite TV show, radio station or musical artist: “NCIS” is my favorite TV show (though “Arrested Development” would be my favorite if it was still on), Adele is my favorite musical artist.

LITCHFIELD - As the director of Fleet Services for Merchants Leasing, Diana Holland has the drive and determination necessary to succeed in not only her career, but her many volunteer efforts as well.

Holland, 32, of Litchfield, is the youngest member of the Executive Leadership Team at Merchants Leasing, a division of Merchants Automotive Group.

She has earned five promotions during her 13 years at Merchants, while also leading Merchants' Fleet Services Initiative, which is the cornerstone for planned future expansion of the business.

Holland has created the company's college internship program and recently won the Chairman's Award at Merchants, recognizing her for going above and beyond daily work duties.

Now, Holland is being honored as one of the New Hampshire Union Leader's 40 Under Forty because of her valued work ethic and endless volunteer efforts.

“My family values are quite strong, as I grew up with parents that are hard workers, dedicated and intelligent people who blessed all of my family with unconditional love,” said Holland, explaining she is one of six daughters. “I am driven by my professional goals, and I have had a lot of great mentors to help me along the way.”

Aside from work, Holland has also found the time to volunteer for many community campaigns. She is a former advisory board member for The Salvation Army in Manchester and a member of the Kettle Committee that helped raise more than $20,000 last year for the Salvation Army. Last year, she assisted in raising nearly $4,500 to support The Union Leader Santa Fund by organizing an annual basket auction.

“Diana is exemplary in her efforts to give back to the local community,” said Glen Villano, chief executive officer for Merchants Auto Group. “Diana has led many of Merchants' community initiatives which include events for the Heritage United Way, Fight to Educate and the annual Bob Blarney breakfast.”

And, in 2009, Holland was the finalist for the New Hampshire Startup Challenge when she presented a business plan for Say It Write, a professional marketing and freelance writing business that was eventually implemented and continues to grow.

Described as a bright, no-nonsense and articulate woman, Holland's co-workers say she has the power to improve any organization, team or event that she becomes involved with.

“She has made an incredible and lasting impact in the community and on a professional level, and I am confident that she has the potential to continue to do so in the future,” said Villano. “Diana wholeheartedly has my admiration.”