By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
NASHUA – Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte has named her incoming chief of staff, senior advisor, a public safety task force and created a website where anyone who wants to serve the state can forward her their resume.
Ayotte has tapped close political ally Hillsborough County Sheriff Christopher Connelly as her chief of staff, who was just re-elected running unopposed Nov. 5, and political consultant John Corbett as her senior advisor.
Sheriff Connelly will be sworn in to perform his constitutional duties as Sheriff, like swearing in deputies, to ensure operations continue at the office and that there is a smooth transition, according to Ayotte’s spokesman.
Once he completes his constitutional duties, Connelly will resign and begin his transition to the Governor’s office.
Once Sheriff Connelly resigns, RSA 661:9 dictates the process that fills the vacancy, according to Ayotte’s spokesman. She said Connelly will not have any overlap in pay between the county and the governor-elect’s office.
The new website opens with a brief message from Ayotte, not specifying any particular job but asking for names and resumes.
It says, “Let’s get to work!”
“As we lay the groundwork to keep New Hampshire safe, prosperous and free, I invite anyone who’s interested in serving our state to send in an application to join the team. Working together, we’ll take on our state’s toughest challenges, from tackling our housing crisis to strengthening our mental health system,” the press release reads.
For those who would like their resume considered, the transition team website is https://ayottetransition.com/ seeking applicants to serve the state.
In naming Connelly and Corbett on Thursday, she said, “We are building a team that is ready to work from day one to keep New Hampshire moving in the right direction. I am proud to have an experienced, dedicated leadership team in Sheriff Connelly and John Corbett. They have my total confidence…”
Connelly was tapped by Ayotte Nov. 11 to be among her leaders in transition saying he cares deeply about the state.
He has served as the high sheriff in Hillsborough County since 2021 and currently serves as Chairman of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council. He chaired the Law Enforcement for Kelly Coalition during the campaign for governor.
From 2014 to 2017 he was a special assistant to then- U.S. Sen. Ayotte. He was an in-state point person for first responders, homeland security and justice issues according to the biography on his past election website.
Ayotte said Connelly will transition to the Governor’s office after completing his constitutional duties as Sheriff.
Ayotte has also tapped John Corbett to help lead her office as Senior Advisor to the Governor.
Corbett served as general consultant for Ayotte’s election and previously was an executive vice president at Jamestown Associates where according to Linkedin he has served for more than seven years. Jamestown Associates “produces wins for clients” and provides top flight media communications according to the information available on Linkedin.
Previously he served as deputy field director for Ayotte and in 2020 was campaign manager for Matt Mowers for Congress, also according to Linkedin.
On Friday, Ayotte announced her transition team’s Public Safety Task Force to assess the needs and concerns relating to justice and public safety, including recruitment and retention of first responders, bail reform, and other relevant issues.
Included on that task force are Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, Chief Probation and Parole Officer Seifu Ragassa, New Hampshire Department of Corrections; State Representative Stephen Pearson, Lieutenant, Manchester Fire Department; Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg and attorney Mary Tenn.
