FILE — Republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Ayotte, who faces Democrat Joyce Craig in the November 2024 election, answers a question during a visit to a local concrete coating business, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

CONCORD – The Office of Gov. Kelly Ayotte released the following statement from spokesman John Corbett:

“Gov. Ayotte accepted the resignation of Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks effective today. Under the Governor’s authority, Assistant Commissioner Paul Raymond is on leave effective immediately.”

“At the next Executive Council meeting, Governor Ayotte will nominate Director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training John Scippa as Acting Commissioner for up to ninety days as the search for a new Commissioner takes place.”