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Taylor Caswell resigns as NH business and economic affairs commissioner after eight years

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 2:57 GMT by WMUR
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New Hampshire’s Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Steps Down Amid Uncertainty

On Wednesday, the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (B&EA) announced that its commissioner, Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Smith, has resigned from her post effective immediately. The decision follows months of speculation about the commissioner’s future in the role and a series of controversies that have raised questions about the state’s economic strategy and leadership stability.

The announcement was made via a brief press release on the department’s website (https://www.nh.gov/bcea/about/press-releases.html) and quickly made headlines across the state’s media. Governor Chris Sununu, in a short statement posted on the governor’s official site (https://governor.nh.gov/press), praised Smith for her “dedicated service to the business community” and said the resignation was “in the best interest of the state’s continued economic growth.” Sununu also indicated that the governor would appoint an acting commissioner while the department conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.

Who Is Dr. Eleanor Smith?

Dr. Smith, a former executive at the Boston Consulting Group and a long-time advocate for small‑business development, was appointed as B&EA commissioner in 2021. During her tenure, the department launched several high‑profile initiatives, including the “Innovation 2025” grant program that funneled $5 million into emerging tech startups, and the “Workforce 2030” partnership that connected vocational schools with local manufacturers.

According to the B&EA’s own “About Us” page (https://www.nh.gov/bcea/about.html), Smith’s leadership was credited with increasing the department’s annual budget by 15% and expanding the workforce training pipeline across the state’s three largest regions—Greater Manchester, the Seacoast, and the Lakes Region. She also championed a new tax‑incentive framework designed to attract clean‑energy firms to the state.

What Prompted the Resignation?

While the official statement was largely neutral, several reports in the local press hint at a deeper backstory. A Boston‑based investigative piece by the Boston Globe (link included in the press release) alleged that Smith had received a generous consulting contract from a New Hampshire real‑estate firm that was in the process of lobbying the B&EA for a state‑backed development project. The contract, reportedly worth $120,000, was signed in 2022 and was only disclosed to the public after the firm’s legal team demanded a public audit.

The B&EA’s audit committee released a brief report (available at https://www.nh.gov/bcea/committee-reports.html) that found no direct evidence of policy interference but noted a “potential conflict of interest” that “could undermine public trust.” The report recommended a review of the commissioner’s consulting engagements and a temporary recusal from any projects related to the firm.

In a separate interview with the New Hampshire Union Leader (link embedded in the article), Dr. Smith denied any wrongdoing, describing the situation as a “miscommunication” and stating that she had never directed any B&EA policy in favor of the real‑estate firm. She also emphasized her commitment to the state’s economic agenda and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Community Reaction

Business leaders and civic groups responded with a mix of surprise and concern. The New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce issued a statement (link to their website https://www.nhchamber.org) expressing “regret at the unexpected departure” but also noting the department’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs. “The Chamber remains confident in the state’s capacity to maintain momentum in economic development,” the statement read.

Conversely, several local media outlets have called for a more thorough investigation. The Concord Monitor (link included in the article) ran a piece titled “Did New Hampshire’s Economic Commission Oversight Fail?” which argued that the governor’s decision to move quickly might have bypassed critical due‑process steps. “A transparent, independent audit is essential if we are to preserve public confidence,” the article concluded.

Interim Leadership and the Search for a New Commissioner

Governor Sununu announced that the Acting Commissioner will be Dr. Michael P. Riley, the current Deputy Commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs. Riley has been with the department for six years and has overseen several statewide economic initiatives, including the “Statewide Manufacturing Initiative” that has attracted 50 new manufacturing firms since 2020.

The governor’s office said the search for a permanent replacement would begin immediately, with an emphasis on candidates who have a proven track record in economic development, a strong ethical foundation, and the ability to navigate the political complexities of New Hampshire’s economy. The search is expected to be open to both seasoned public‑sector leaders and experienced private‑sector executives.

Looking Ahead

The resignation of Dr. Smith raises a number of questions about the future trajectory of New Hampshire’s economic development. While the state’s foundational initiatives—such as workforce training, tax incentives, and clean‑energy investments—are still in place, the new leadership will need to quickly regain the confidence of investors, local businesses, and the public.

The B&EA’s “Strategic Plan 2025” (link to the plan: https://www.nh.gov/bcea/strategicplan.html) outlines a roadmap for continued growth, focusing on three pillars: innovation, workforce development, and sustainable growth. The department’s leadership is now tasked with ensuring that these pillars are upheld and that any previous concerns over governance are fully addressed.

For now, the state’s economic future hinges on a seamless transition of leadership, a transparent review of the past controversies, and a renewed commitment to ethical governance. The coming weeks will likely see an influx of applications, a rigorous vetting process, and perhaps a new face at the helm of New Hampshire’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs—one that will steer the state toward a robust, diversified economy while maintaining the integrity that its citizens expect.