Ayotte Appoints Four to Key State Roles, Including NH Supreme Court

Governor Kelly Ayotte has announced the nomination of four key individuals to significant roles within the New Hampshire state government. The nominees include candidates for the New Hampshire Supreme Court, the chair of the Public Utilities Commission, the Commissioner of the Office of Business and Economic Affairs, and the state’s Child Advocate.

Key Nominations by Governor Ayotte

The four nominated individuals are:

• Honorable Daniel E. Will: Nominated as Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court
• Christopher J. Ellms Jr.: Nominated as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission
• Lucy C. Lange: Nominated as Commissioner of the Office of Business and Economic Affairs
• Diana E. Fenton: Nominated as the state’s Child Advocate

Profiles of the Nominees

Daniel E. Will, a resident of Loudon, is the former State Solicitor General and has served as a Superior Court judge. He is set to replace Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, who is retiring in February. Will expressed gratitude for the nomination, emphasizing a commitment to fair and impartial justice.

Christopher J. Ellms Jr. from Webster currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy. With prior experience on Governor Chris Sununu’s staff, Ellms aims to lead the Public Utilities Commission towards reducing energy costs for residents.

Lucy C. Lange, from Bedford, is the President and General Manager of Manchester Media Group. She has two decades of private sector marketing experience and is expected to leverage that to promote New Hampshire as a prime place for economic opportunities.

Diana E. Fenton, based in Mont Vernon, is an attorney at the Department of Justice and has led initiatives focused on child safety during her time at the Department of Education. Ayotte praised her for her relentless dedication to advocating for children.

Confirmation Process

The New Hampshire Executive Council will review these nominations and is scheduled to hold public hearings before making confirmation votes. These appointments are crucial as they aim to fill some of the most prestigious vacancies in state governance during a ongoing hiring freeze for other positions.

Governor Ayotte expressed confidence in the nominees’ ability to meet the expectations of Granite State residents. She highlighted that they are exceptionally qualified individuals poised to advance important agendas ranging from judicial integrity to economic growth.

Community Support for Nominees

Reactions from community leaders have been positive. Former Chief Justice Robert J. Lynn endorsed Will’s nomination, praising his expertise and integrity. Similarly, Mayor Jay Ruais of Manchester spoke highly of Lange’s contributions to the local business landscape, stating her commitment to the community and economic interests.

In summary, the nominations reflect a strategic approach to appoint individuals with extensive experience to critical state roles, paving the way for improvements in New Hampshire’s judicial system, energy policies, and economic development initiatives.