Carmen Lorentz will be stepping down as director of the Division of Economic Development at the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development to become the new executive director of the Laconia Area Community Land Trust starting in January. Lorentz will succeed founding Executive Director Linda Harvey, who is retiring in May after 24 years.
A Lakes Region native and resident of Belmont, Lorentz was appointed to lead the Division of Economic Development by Gov. Maggie Hassan in 2014. She was responsible for the division’s first strategic plan, which resulted in new marketing initiatives for the state and new economic development services being offered to local communities and organizations. Prior to serving at the state level, Lorentz was executive director of the Belknap Economic Development Council. Gov.-elect Chris Sununu has announced plans to bring the Division of Economic Development out of the auspices of the Department of Resources and Economic Development and have the division report directly to the governor's office.
“I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to the Land Trust’s mission of providing high-quality, permanently affordable housing in the Lakes Region," says Lorentz. "Affordable housing is an essential element of both community and workforce development, fields in which I have a lot of experience and about which I am truly passionate."
Lorentz and Harvey will work together for the first few months to ensure the transition goes smoothly. “We are thrilled to welcome Carmen on board,” said Jason Hicks, chair of the Land Trust’s board of directors. “And we are grateful to Linda for her continued service during the transition. We have all the right pieces in place for success in our first-ever transition to a new executive director."
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