Brett Gagnon was born and raised in Pelham, New Hampshire, where he was immersed in a close-knit community and the region’s stunning natural beauty. From an early age, Brett was drawn to engineering, influenced by both his father and grandfather, who were engineers themselves. He fondly recalls spending hours tinkering with electronics in his basement or watching his grandfather build radio towers to communicate with people across the globe. While his male relatives sparked his passion for engineering, it was his mother who shaped his social nature. Born in England and emigrating to the U.S. at a young age, she eventually became the CEO of a nonprofit organization focused on the care of mentally and physically challenged individuals. Both of Brett’s parents earned master’s degrees and had successful careers before retiring to focus on volunteer work. Their dedication to excellence and community service remains a lasting influence on Brett’s own path.

After completing high school in Pelham, Brett pursued an Electrical Engineering degree at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Following graduation, he relocated to Nashua, New Hampshire, and eventually moved to Hudson. Brett’s early career was marked by a significant role at Intertek Testing Services, where he gained a broad range of experience. He worked on testing electrical medical equipment, surgical tools, lasers, home appliances, and industrial controls, while also serving as an IECEE CB Scheme reviewer for international compliance certification and a field label inspector under OSHA. This role gave him invaluable insights into regulatory and compliance issues.

As his career progressed, Brett’s expertise expanded. In his final years at Intertek, he joined a National Sales Engineering pilot program, which offered him the opportunity to work closely with sales teams, senior staff, and customers. This experience honed his ability to translate complex technical topics into digestible terms for non-technical stakeholders. His work also involved project management in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, along with consulting services for risk management, product development, and certification preparation.

In parallel with his professional growth, Brett embraced a leadership role in his community. While pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, he began volunteering for the local Conservation Commission. This was the beginning of a long and impactful journey of community involvement, which continued for over a decade. As his role deepened, Brett took on leadership positions, serving on boards and guiding local initiatives.

Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a public divorce, Brett remained steadfast in his dedication to both his personal development and his community. During this challenging period, he earned a Regulatory Affairs Certificate, further expanding his expertise. His ability to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity speaks to his resilience and determination. Brett continually demonstrates that setbacks can be transformative when approached with a positive and progressive mindset.

Brett’s career took another significant turn when he joined Merck KGaA (MilliporeSigma) as an Electrical Safety Specialist in their Regulatory Affairs department. There, he further expanded his expertise in global compliance, particularly in the importation and distribution of electrical equipment. Over time, Brett’s responsibilities grew to include overseeing tens of thousands of electrical products sold globally. His role involved working with customs agencies worldwide to resolve product disputes, registering wireless products internationally, supporting internal R&D teams with component selection, leading risk management discussions, reviewing product documentation, and contributing to company acquisitions. His efforts also included designing internal processes and software to improve compliance verification, further enhancing the company’s brand by ensuring a consistent level of compliance.

One of the defining moments in Brett’s life came when he and his father worked together to build a net-zero home. This ambitious project, which incorporated open-loop geothermal heating and cooling, a self-designed ground-mount solar array, and a home that nearly met the Passive House standard, demonstrated Brett’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship. It was also during this time that Brett remarried, finding happiness and stability once more.

Brett’s journey has been marked by a strong educational foundation, professional success, and a deep commitment to service. His story is shaped by the values of excellence, lifelong learning, and community dedication instilled in him by his parents. Whether through his work in engineering, his leadership in Hudson and Pelham, or his dedication to environmental sustainability, Brett continues to exemplify resilience and a desire to create positive change. His passion for nature, combined with his professional expertise, ensures that his legacy of success, service, and community commitment will endure for years to come.