CONCORD, NH –Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) has been confirmed for his second term, at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
“Taylor Caswell has been instrumental in recruiting businesses, promoting tourism, and helping the state respond to COVID-19 as Executive Director of GOFERR,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “Taylor has done a great job these last four years and I am excited for the next four.”
Caswell was appointed as the first commissioner of BEA in 2017, and together with his staff, built the agency from the ground up. He is the state’s chief economic official, encouraging and promoting economic vitality for New Hampshire residents, recruiting businesses and workforce, promoting the state’s tourism industry, and growing international trade and relationships for state businesses across the globe.
“I have been privileged to serve in this role for four years and to be confirmed for another term is great honor. We have a great team at BEA and I am truly excited to continue to grow our economy and expand opportunity statewide,” said Caswell.
During his tenure, Commissioner Caswell has created new systems to leverage the state’s exceptional quality of life and unique business climate to attract and strengthen its workforce. Under his leadership, BEA has developed into a center point for state economic strategies and collaborations with partners, local officials, and businesses to create a growth-oriented economic structure. Caswell worked to advance the state’s connection between its economy and outdoor resources by creating the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development, making New Hampshire one of only 16 states with this distinction.
In 2020, Commissioner Caswell pivoted into a leadership role to drive state economic relief efforts in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. BEA spearheaded the state’s economic recovery efforts in coordination with other state agencies and partner organizations around the state. Caswell also co-chaired the state Economic Reopening Task Force, a bi-partisan public/private group which reviewed and recommended sector safe operations guidance. Since September of 2020, Caswell has also served as the head of the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR), with responsibility for transparent development, deployment and management of more than $2 billion in federal COVID relief and stimulus funds to New Hampshire.
About New Hampshire Business and Economic Affairs
The Department of Business and Economic Affairs is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the State of New Hampshire while promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors. For more information visit www.nheconomy.com or www.choosenh.com