Harnois picked to head state travel unit

Lori Harnois of Epsom, a manager in the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, has been nominated to take over the director’s position vacated by Alice DeSouza, who retired in July. Harnois, manager of the division’s international and domestic marketing department for the past eight years, was nominated by Gov. John Lynch. The nomination is expected to be voted on at the Nov. 17 Executive Council meeting. Harnois, a 1998 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, has worked in the travel office for more than 10 years. Citing Harnois’s extensive experience, George Bald, commissioner of the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, said, “I am very confident in her ability to do the job and to carry on the good work that travel and tourism does for New Hampshire.” DeSouza, who had been director of the travel division for six years, announced her retirement this past summer, stating “health concerns” prompted her decision. DeSouza, a 2007 NHBR Outstanding Women in Business award winner, said she will continue to work with the travel division on a project basis, including helping to transfer the day-to-day operations of the state’s Welcome Centers to DRED. – CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW