List of NHDOC Commissioners

Prior to 1983 the prison was governed by a Board of Trustees and managed by a Warden. The NH Department of Corrections did not exist as an agency until April 1983. It was a single state prison.

From 1983-2001, the Corrections Commissioners worked at the pleasure of the Governor. Since 2001, Commissioners serve for a four-year term and are appointed by the Governor and Executive Council.

Commissioners:

April 1983 – June 1993: Ronald Powell
June 1993 – December 1993: Nicholas E. Pishon (Acting)
December 1993 – August 1997: Paul Brodeur
August 1997 - January 1998: Nicholas E. Pishon (Acting)
January 1998 – September 1999: Henry “Hank” Risley
September 1999 – May 2000: Edda Cantor (Acting)
May 2000 – October 2003: Phil Stanley
October 2003 – July 2004: Mrs. Les S. Dolecal (Acting)
July 2004 – December 2005: Stephen J. Curry
December 2005 – November 2017: William L. Wrenn
November 2017 – present: Helen E. Hanks

Assistant Commissioners:

October 2000 - July 2008: Mrs. Les S. Dolecal
July 2008 - September 2014: William G. McGonagle
September 2014 - November 2017: Helen E. Hanks
December 2017 - March 2021: Benjamin R. Jean
April 2021 - September 2022: William T. Conway
September 2022 - present: Paul D. Raymond, Jr.