A statewide organization focused on promoting rights for in the LGBTQ+ community hired its first full-time employee last month, when Alton resident Aimee Terravechia assumed the role of executive director of 603 Equality.

Terravechia, a former sales representative at The Laconia Daily Sun, started her new position Dec. 29. She said this came at a perfect time for the organization — entering its third year of existence — as Jan. 7-8 were the first days of the new legislative session. In her role, she'll strive to be a connection to the Statehouse for lobbying, directing policy and focusing on advocacy work.