There's a New Commissioner of NH Dept. of Business and Economic Affairs

From Left: Taylor Caswell is sworn in by Gov. John Sununu as the first commissioner of the new Department of Business and Economic Affairs. Photo: BEA

Taylor Caswell was sworn in by Gov. Chris Sununu as the first commissioner of the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). The new department was created July 1 by an act of the state legislature. In his new role, Caswell will oversee the Divisions of Economic Development and Travel and Tourism Development.

The BEA was established to refocus efforts to expand the state’s economy. The department’s major goals are providing a set of economic development and tourism industry supports for NH businesses, its communities and the people who live in them.

“I look forward to continuing to strengthen New Hampshire’s economy as the first commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs,” says Caswell. “Through increased collaboration and finding new ways to enhance the state’s role as a partner, we will provide increased opportunities for existing and potential Granite State business owners, help create jobs for our citizens, and continue to grow as a destination for visitors from near and far.”

Caswell, a resident of Hollis and Littleton native, was most recently the executive director of the NH Community Development Finance Authority, where he served for three years. He has more than 20 years of experience from the public and private sectors, including as the New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a small business owner and more than a decade working in Washington D.C.