Duddy to leave DRED post for PSNH job

Roy Duddy, interim director of the state Division of Economic Development for the last two years and a fixture at the state Department of Resources and Economic Development for more than decade, has announced plans to step down from his job to take a consulting position in Public Service of New Hampshire’s Economic & Community Development Department.Duddy’s departure is effective Aug. 19. DRED officials are expected to begin a search for a replacement.Under Duddy’s direction, the economic development office has garnered both local and national awards and served thousands of local companies looking to explore export opportunities, secure financing and pursue expansion. As interim director, Duddy also coordinated the Procurement Technical Assistance Program, which has helped local companies secure 940 contracts totaling over $200 million, and managed the expansion of the state’s energy efficiency options.His new job at PSNH will be similar to the one he’s leaving. At the utility — which works closely with the state Division of Economic Development on many fronts — Duddy will assist companies with their growth plans and carry out initiatives that create economic activity and jobs.”Roy has been a tremendous advocate for the state’s business community and brought an energy and passion to the position that resulted in some great programs and services,” said Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. “He deserves a great deal of praise for all that he has done for New Hampshire.”Duddy’s announcement comes on the heels of the departure late last month of Dawn Wivell, longtime director of DRED’s International Trade Resource Center. — JEFF FEINGOLD/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW