Gov. Sununu Nominates Steven Lavoie as Safety's Next Assistant Commissioner; Richard C. Bailey, Jr. Announces Departure from State Service

CONCORD, New Hampshire – Today, Gov. Chris Sununu nominated Steven Lavoie, the current director of the Department of Safety’s Division of Administration, as the Department’s next assistant commissioner. The nomination coincides with Richard C. Bailey, Jr.’s announcement that he will not seek renomination after nearly 30 years of service to the State of New Hampshire.

“I’ve truly enjoyed my career serving Granite Staters,” said Bailey. “The years have seemingly gone by quickly. I’m forever thankful for the opportunity to serve in this position and to have been a part of this department. It has been a pleasure to work alongside so many dedicated employees who work hard to keep the state safe 24/7.”

Bailey has held multiple positions while employed by the State and oversaw numerous large-scale development projects and improvements to technology infrastructure. From 2004 to 2010, he served as chief information officer for the New Hampshire Department of Information Technology. In 2010, he was appointed director of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles, where he served until his initial appointment as assistant commissioner by former Gov. Maggie Hassan in 2015.

Bailey is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, holds a degree of Juris Doctor from Franklin Pierce Law Center (UNH Law), and is a veteran of the United States Air Force.

In addition to Lavoie’s nomination to replace Bailey, Commissioner Robert Quinn and Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards were also renominated by the governor for their respective positions.

Lavoie has a Master of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Rivier University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in New Hampshire and also holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.

Lavoie’s previous financial and administrative roles include experience in nonprofit, higher education and public accounting. He also served as a financial auditor for the State of New Hampshire Legislative Budget Assistant from 2007-2011.

The Executive Council will have the opportunity to confirm Quinn, Edwards and Lavoie on Wednesday, March 22. Bailey’s current term expires March 31.