Former state economic commissioner Taylor Caswell has joined Bernstein Shur as managing director of economic solutions, a new offering within the firm’s government and public affairs practice group, the law firm announced Monday.
Based in Manchester, Caswell will advise clients across New England and nationally on planning, designing and implementing complex economic development projects and growth strategies, the firm said in a press release.
Caswell, who served as commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs for eight years, resigned in October after three members of the Executive Council said they would not endorse his nomination for another term, which was supported by Gov. Kelly Ayotte.
Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, speaks about housing during a press conference with then-Gov. Chris Sununu in 2022. (Ethan DeWitt-New Hampshire Bulletin)
As commissioner, Caswell managed more than $300 million in state and federal resources for domestic and international business recruitment, retention and growth, tourism support and promotion, workforce training, broadband expansion and affordable housing.
“Drawing on Caswell’s deep experience in both government and the private sector, the initiative will support public and private businesses, real estate developers, institutions and nonprofits seeking to advance development projects, develop business, build out their public profiles and enhance their economic strength and impact,” Bernstein Shur said.
The practice will focus on advocacy and strategic consulting; economic and business development strategy; and public funding and earmark support, the firm said.
“Taylor’s experience at the intersection of public policy, economic development, and strategic consulting uniquely positions him to help our clients achieve impactful results,” said Jim Merrill, managing shareholder of Bernstein Shur’s Manchester office, in a statement, “With the launch of Bernstein Shur Strategic Economic Solutions, we’re offering a new way for clients to access the guidance, relationships, and resources they need to grow, thrive and prosper in New England and beyond.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caswell directed the state’s management of more than $3.6 billion in federal relief funds as executive director of the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery, the release noted.
He also held leadership roles in renewable energy development, financial services and housing, and served as New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Bush Administration.
Berstein Shur has operations in Manchester and Portland, Maine.
“I’m excited to join Bernstein Shur and help build a platform that brings together the firm’s deep policy, legal, advocacy and business expertise,” Caswell said in a statement. “Our goal is to help clients turn opportunities into fruition — whether that’s advancing development projects, securing funding, or building partnerships that strengthen communities.”
Former state economic commissioner Taylor Caswell has joined Bernstein Shur as managing director of economic solutions, a new offering within the firm’s government and public affairs practice group, the law firm announced Monday.
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