A dedicated community leader, coach, mentor, and advocate for the Queen City, Erik Lesniak has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade. His unwavering commitment to Manchester, its residents, and its future generations makes him a deserving honoree for this distinguished role.
A Holyoke, MA native with deep Irish roots, Erik’s arrived in Manchester in the early 2000s when the New Haven Ravens were sold and relocated to New Hampshire, becoming the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Erik played a pivotal role in the organization, serving in key leadership positions, including Director of Group Sales, Executive Director of Sales, and Vice President of Business Development. In 2022, his passion for Manchester and its economic growth led him to his current role as Business Liaison for the City of Manchester’s Economic Development Office. He resides in the city he loves with his wife, Kristen, and son, Jayden.
For decades, Erik has been deeply involved in civic and community organizations, working tirelessly to strengthen Manchester. His contributions span across numerous groups, including:
- Lions Club
- Kiwanis Club
- Caregivers
- Manchester Community College Department of Business Studies Advisory Board
- Pastoral Counseling Services
- Manchester Little League (Board Member & Coach)
- Manchester South Jr. Soccer League (Board Member & Coach)
- Queen City Rotary Club
- Manchester Downtown Committee
- Leadership Greater Manchester Steering Committee
- ASSET Development Task Force (Air Service Support Engagement Task Force)
- Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade Committee
- Manchester Holiday Parade Committee
- War on Terror Memorial Fund Committee
- Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH Division 1)
- The Salvation Army Advisory Board
As a dedicated coach and mentor, Erik has shaped the lives of countless young athletes, coaching with Manchester Little League (10 years and counting), St. Francis of Assisi basketball (4 years), St. Joseph Jr. High basketball (current), Manchester South Jr. Soccer (8 years), and indoor soccer. His leadership extends far beyond the field, instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and long lasting life lessons.
Erik’s generosity and kindness can be seen in every corner of the community. Whether he’s securing Christmas trees, food, clothes and decorations every year for families in need during the holidays, organizing community fundraisers, or serving meals at New Horizons/Families in Transition over the years, Erik is always ready to lend a helping hand.
His work with The Salvation Army is particularly remarkable. Since 2005, he has volunteered more than 30 hours annually for the Red Kettle Campaign—even setting a personal record of 52 hours in three weeks—all while braving the elements and using vacation time from work. He has also been a key fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s Kids Café and their annual Easter Bunny campaign.
Beyond his public service, Erik never hesitates to step up when people need help. When he met a woman who required a wheelchair but couldn’t afford one, he immediately rallied support and secured one through The Salvation Army within two weeks. When a local veteran faced mobility challenges, Erik and his friends, Steve and Jay, built a temporary ramp to ensure he could get to his appointments. Each holiday season, he organizes donations of toys, food, and clothing for families across Manchester—never seeking recognition, only looking to make a difference and always under the radar.
Though he often works behind the scenes, Erik has been a driving force behind Manchester’s St. Patrick’s Parade and Christmas Parade, ensuring these cherished traditions thrive. His love for Manchester is evident in everything he does.
Over the years, Erik has been recognized for his impact, though he remains humble about his achievements. His honors include:
- Union Leader’s 40 Under 40 (Class of 2015)
- Red Kettle Volunteer of the Year
- Paul Harris Fellow Recipient (Queen City Rotary Club)
- Leadership Greater Manchester Graduate (Class of 2018)
- Pastoral Counseling Services Good Samaritan of the Year (2019)
- New Hampshire Business Review NH 200 Recipient (2025)
As a devoted father, husband, coach, mentor, and community advocate, Erik Lesniak embodies the very spirit of Manchester. His unwavering commitment to uplifting others and strengthening the city is evident in everything he does. While there are countless examples of his dedication, none compare to the love he holds for his family—especially his wife, Kristen and son, Jayden. Manchester is truly fortunate to have such a passionate and selfless leader, and there is no one more deserving to lead the 2025 Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade as Grand Marshal.
Join us on Sunday, March 30, 2025, as Erik Lesniak proudly leads this beloved tradition, celebrating Manchester’s Irish heritage and the incredible community spirit that makes this city thrive.