NH Corrections Chief Resigns Amid Lawsuit, Tensions

Helen Hanks, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections since 2017 and a department veteran of over 20 years, resigned abruptly on Monday, with the announcement made by Governor Kelly Ayotte's office without explanation. Assistant Commissioner Paul Raymond was also placed on leave. Hanks' resignation follows ongoing tensions with state lawmakers and the governor over budget cuts, procurement practices, and departmental terminology, as well as a pending whistleblower lawsuit alleging retaliation and wrongful dismissal. Labor union leaders representing probation and parole officers welcomed her departure, citing allegations of staff mistreatment and retaliation. Governor Ayotte will nominate John Scippa, head of the Police Standards and Training Council, as acting commissioner for up to 90 days during the search for a permanent replacement. Hanks was the first woman to lead the department and had prioritized rehabilitation and more humane language for incarcerated individuals.