Former columnist and author John Clayton has been hired as executive director of the Manchester Historic Association effective May 4. "We are incredibly fortunate that John's availability coincided with our needs, he is a perfect fit," said Matt Kfoury, CEO of Central Paper Products and MHA president. "He has been associated with our Millyard Museum for years and most of the research material for his newspaper columns are housed at our Research Center on Amherst Street. We are excited to have John on board and look forward to accomplishing the goals of our strategic plan."

MHA trustee Tony Matos, president of Altos, headed the selection committee. "John's street credibility and prominent public profile create outstanding synergy with MHA's mission of preserving the past while telling Manchester's story today," said Matos.

Clayton most recently served as vice president of communications with the New Hampshire Hospital Association. He previously spent 25 years as a reporter and columnist for the New Hampshire Union Leader, and the Queen City native is the author of seven books about Manchester and New Hampshire.

His most recent book, "Remembering Manchester; Towering Titans and Unsung Heroes," celebrates the history of the Queen City by focusing on individuals such as McDonald's founder Richard McDonald, "Peyton Place" author Grace Metalious and Revlon Cosmetics magnate Martin Revson.

Clayton's "In The City" column, which celebrated the history of Manchester, was a fixture on the front page of the Union Leader for more than 20 years and won numerous awards, including best local column from the New England Associated Press News Executives and "Best Local Author" from the readers of "New Hampshire" magazine.

Clayton was also the long-time host of "New Hampshire Crossroads" on New Hampshire Public Television, where he received an Emmy Award for his piece on the history of the Amoskeag Brownies and their swimming and diving exploits at the Amoskeag Ledge.