Governor nominates Mark Hall to direct state police

Aug. 23—Gov. Chris Sununu has nominated a veteran trooper to be the new director of New Hampshire State Police.

Maj. Mark B. Hall currently serves as commander of the agency's field operations bureau, responsible for oversight of uniformed personnel. He's been with the state police since 1999.

The Executive Council will take up his confirmation at its Sept. 6 meeting.

In a statement, Robert Quinn, commissioner of the Department of Safety, praised Hall as "an accomplished leader who has earned the respect of his colleagues in the law enforcement community."

"Most importantly, he understands the public safety challenges of today and will work collaboratively to keep New Hampshire safe with our federal, state, county and local partners," Quinn said.

Before joining the New Hampshire State Police, Hall served as a Vermont state trooper and a patrol officer in Milton, Vermont. He holds a criminal justice degree from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's national academy.

Hall said he is "grateful and honored" by the nomination. "The men and women of the New Hampshire State Police are remarkable, and I am humbled by the opportunity and privilege to represent them," he said in a statement.

If confirmed, Hall would be elevated to the rank of colonel. The former director, Col. Nathan Noyes, retired in June.