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WOLFEBORO – For Suzanne Figueroa-Rich, north region manager and senior vice president of Citizens Bank, making New Hampshire an attractive and welcoming place for young people is a key element in being able to maintain the fastest-growing economy in New England.

"What we're seeing is a lack of workforce housing in the face of explosive growth in the southern part of the state with a decline in growth and significant loss of jobs in the north," said Figueroa-Rich, whose job responsibilities take her all over northern New Hampshire and Vermont and keep her in touch with the realities on the ground of the state's economy.

"We've got to do more in the affordable housing area so that people can afford the rents in the communities where they work," she said.

As a past board member of WEDCO (Wentworth Economic Development Corp.) she has worked to help bring an awareness to local communities of the need for workforce housing with affordable rents and worked with groups that are committed to providing that kind of housing.

Figueroa-Rich sees such projects as a wise investment in the community infrastructure which help provide long-term dividends.

She's also active in the community as a founder and president of the Kiwanis Club of Southern Carroll County; as board member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which works to protect children in troubled families; and as a volunteer with Lakes Region United Way and the Camp Mayhew Program.

A classic car fan, she says that she enjoys taking her Mustangs on rides through the North Country and snowmobiling during the winter months. She and her husband, Fran, have become involved with a like-minded group of classic car enthusiasts, all around the same age (she's 38) who enjoy getting together for weekend trips around the state.

"My son, Scott, loves it. Who would have thought that a 12-year-old would like 40-year-old cars so much?" she said.

Age: 38

Hometown: Wakefield

Birthplace: Tully, N.Y.

Family: Husband, Fran; son, Scott; parents, Luise Marie Figueroa and Frank and Patricia Rich

High school: Tully Junior/Senior High School

College/post grad degrees: Cazenovia College, associate's in science

Current job: North region manager, senior vice president, Citizens Bank

Key Past positions held: Founding member and president, Kiwanis of Southern Carroll County; instructor, American Institute of Banking; district manager, Interpay Payroll; multi-store manager, Hit or Miss

Volunteer activities: Board member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates); past board member of WEDCO (Wentworth Economic Development Corp.); Camp Mayhew, Lakes Regiona United Way, Class 2000 Leadership Seacoast.

Most admired person (outside your family): Jay L. Altman

Key current professional challenge: Knowing and growing relationships locally while delivering globally. Balancing risk and practicing prudent business decisions amidst increased compliance and regulatory issues.

Last major achievement: Promotion to senior vice president

Two peers who know you well: Kate Burns and Michelle Hebert

Biggest problem facing New Hampshire: Lack of workforce housing in the face of explosive growth in the southern part of the state with the decline in growth and significant loss of jobs in the north.

Favorite place in New Hampshire: Driving my '67 Mustang Fastback across the Kancamaugus or my '69 Mustang convertible from Dixville Notch south on Route 16. Snowmobiling on corridors 11, 12, 19 ....

What book are you reading now: "Leap of Faith" by Queen Noor and "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult

How do you relax? In my hot tub, restoring and working on our classic car collection, snowmobiling great north woods, traveling to Puerto Rico, reading.

What Web sites do you visit most often? Expedia, eBay, NHtrails.org, citizensbank.com

Favorite TV show, radio station or musical artist: NHPR, NFL Sunday Ticket, Celia Cruz, Bon Jovi, Blue Man Group, Pink, Lisa Presley.