Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte announced several hires for the Governor’s office ahead of her inauguration on Thursday. It’s a list of names that is heavy with members of law enforcement, perhaps reflecting Ayotte’s years as the state’s attorney general.
“The governor-elect’s staff appointments certainly showcase her law enforcement chops, said veteran GOP strategist Michael Dennehy. With many having retired from law enforcement, it should be expected that the Governor’s office will be a tightly run ship filled with people who are loyal to Kelly Ayotte and the state of New Hampshire.
“The Governor-elect could not ask for a better combination of qualities in her staff.”
Ayotte’s list received generally positive reviews, though some campaign pros told NHJournal on background they would like to see more experience political players to help Ayotte deal with the incoming fire she’ll soon be taking from across the partisan divide.
Ayotte is scheduled to be sworn in at noon on Thursday.
Below is the list of Ayotte staff picks per a press release on Monday:
In November, Governor-elect Ayotte announced Christopher Connelly will serve as Chief of Staff and John Corbett will serve as Senior Advisor to the Governor.
Christopher Connelly, Chief of Staff
Served as High Sheriff of Hillsborough County, numerous other law enforcement positions in New Hampshire, and worked for Governor-elect Ayotte in the United States Senate.
John Corbett, Senior Advisor to the Governor
Ran Governor-elect Ayotte’s historic campaign as General Consultant, previously an Executive Vice President at Jamestown Associates.
Today, the Governor-elect announced the following additional hires:
Myles Matteson, Legal Counsel
Previously served as Senior Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau at the New Hampshire Department of Justice, also was Governor-elect Ayotte’s counsel in the U.S. Senate.
Paul Dean, Director of Citizen Services
Previously served as Chief of Police at the University of New Hampshire Police Department.
James Gerry, Director of Policy and Finance
Most recently served as Governor Sununu’s Budget Director.
Caroline Hakes, Director of Communications
Served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Governor-elect Ayotte’s campaign.
Morgan Hughes, Director of Appointments and Liaison to the Executive Council
Previously an Associate Attorney at Orr & Reno in Concord.
Consuelo Carver, Director of Scheduling
Retired FBI agent and retired Lieutenant in the United States Navy.
John Callaghan, Policy and Legislative Assistant
Served as Field Director on Governor-elect Ayotte’s campaign.
Alex Holderith, Assistant Director of Policy and Finance
Most recently served as Special Assistant to Governor Sununu.
Donna Schoenfeld, Staff Assistant
Served as Staff Assistant in Governor Sununu’s office.
Virginia Drye, Citizen Services Assistant
Previously the Director of Circulations for the Claremont Eagle Times.
Tyler Flanigan, Community Engagement Coordinator
Previously worked on political campaigns and served in local government in New England.
