CONCORD, NH – Governor Kelly Ayotte on Tuesday announced she will nominate William R. Hart to serve as the state’s next Department of Corrections Commissioner. Hart, a highly respected law enforcement leader, brings decades of experience in public safety and administration including more than 10 years as Londonderry chief of police.
“Bill Hart has devoted his life to protecting the people of New Hampshire and strengthening our public safety system,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “His decades of service reflect his commitment, integrity, and ability to lead with both strength and fairness. I am confident he will advance the Department of Corrections’ mission to enhance public safety and that he will bring the dedication, transparency, and expertise this critical role demands.”
“I’ve known Bill for many years and have seen firsthand his dedication to transparency, stability, and the highest professional standards,” said Interim Commissioner John Scippa. “His leadership will bring strength and steadiness to the Department of Corrections, and I’m confident he will serve with the same integrity and commitment that have defined his entire career.”
“I commend Governor Ayotte for her outstanding nomination of William Hart to serve as Commissioner of Corrections,” said Executive Councilor John Stephen. “Having worked alongside Bill in various law enforcement capacities over the decades, I know firsthand that he brings a long and distinguished career centered on putting Granite Staters first, with a proven track record of integrity and dedication. I look forward to continued discussions with Bill as his nomination moves forward, and I firmly believe he is a great choice for the job. Under his leadership, we can expect streamlined services at the Department of Corrections while ensuring accountability to our citizens and taxpayers.”
“I am honored to be nominated to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Corrections,” said William R. Hart. “It has been my privilege to spend my career in service to the people of New Hampshire, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Department to strengthen public safety, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and advance our shared mission of rehabilitation and the security of all Granite Staters.”
About William R. Hart, Governor Ayotte’s Nominee for Department of Corrections Commissioner:
Hart currently serves as the United States Marshal for the District of New Hampshire, a presidential appointment confirmed by the U.S. Senate, where he has built strong statewide partnerships across the law enforcement community, overseen compliance with Department of Justice audits, and led major public safety initiatives.
He previously served more than a decade as Chief of Police in Londonderry, managing a multimillion-dollar budget, supervising over 90 employees, and achieving national accreditation. Hart has extensive experience in risk assessment, crisis response, and personnel management, including service on the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council and the New Hampshire Retirement System Board of Trustees.
A United States Marine Corps veteran and former Rockingham County Attorney, Hart brings more than three decades of legal, law enforcement, and executive leadership to the role.