Commissioner Lori Shibinette Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services speaks at the twice-weekly COVID-19 update with Dr. Benjamin Chan and Governor Chris Sununu on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.
Commissioner Lori Shibinette Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services speaks at the twice-weekly COVID-19 update with Dr. Benjamin Chan and Governor Chris Sununu on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Credit: GEOFF FORESTER

Gov. Chris Sununu has begun looking for a new Health and Human Services commissioner and has given those interested until Sept. 6 to apply.

Commissioner Lori Shibinette, who was appointed three weeks before the pandemic hit, announced in July that she will step down in mid-December to spend more time with family after a grueling 2½ years leading the state’s response to an unprecedented public health emergency.

Sununu said he will rely on a five-person selection committee, which he formed, to interview and recommend candidates. 

The five members are James Fredyma, former chief financial officer for Health and Human Services; Yvonne Goldsberry, president of the Endowment for Health; Christina Lachance, director of the New Hampshire Council for Thriving Children; Donnalee Lozeau, former House member and now chief executive officer at Southern New Hampshire Services; and Don Shumway, former Health and Human Services commissioner and past president and chief executive officer of the Crotched Mountain Foundation.

Sununu said applicants should send a resume and letter of interest to Apply.Governor@nh.gov.