Lorentz to take the helm of Laconia Land Trust

State economic development director to lead affordable housing initiatives

Carmen Lorentz, director of the state Division of Economic Development, will take over as executive director of the Laconia Area Community Land Trust starting in January.

She will succeed the organization’s founding executive director, Linda Harvey, who will be retiring next May after 24 years.

A Lakes Region native and resident of Belmont, Lorentz has been at them of the state’s economic development initiatives since 2014, when she was appointed to the post by Gov. Maggie Hassan. During her tenure, Lorentz oversaw development of the state’s first strategic plan for economic development, resulting in new marketing initiatives and new services offered to local communities and organizations.

Lorentz, who was executive director of the Belknap Economic Development Council from 2011 to 2014, said, “I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the land trust’s mission of providing high-quality, permanently affordable housing in the Lakes Region," said Lorentz. "Affordable housing is an essential element of both community and workforce development, fields in which I have a lot of experience and about which I am truly passionate."

She said she and Harvey will work together for the first few months to ensure that the transition goes smoothly.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carmen on board,” said Jason Hicks, chair of the trust’s board of directors. “And we are grateful to Linda for her continued service during the transition. We have all the right pieces in place for success in our first-ever transition to a new Executive Director.”