O’Kane to step down as DRED chief

New Hampshire Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Sean O’Kane, on the job since 2004, has decided not to seek reappointment to the job.

Gov. John Lynch’s office announced Tuesday that O’Kane will not seek reappointment when his term expires at the end of March to pursue what he said were “exciting new challenges and opportunities.”

O’Kane was appointed to the post in April 2004 by former Gov. Craig Benson.

In a statement, O’Kane said he was “extremely proud to have been a part of the incredible team at the Department of Resources and Economic Development and particularly rewarded by how much we have accomplished over the past two years. It has been my pleasure to work with the most dedicated, intelligent and passionate co-workers with whom I have ever been associated. The citizens of New Hampshire are very fortunate to have state employees of this caliber working for their interests.”

Lynch thanked O’Kane for “his dedicated service to people of New Hampshire and for his commitment to fostering New Hampshire’s economic growth.”

The governor said he will soon be talking to members of the Executive Council about filling the commissioner’s post at DRED. – JEFF FEINGOLD