Sununu forms selection committee for next Health and Human Services commissioner

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.