NH Port Authority Director Resigned

The departure follows a leadership investigation and leaves a key management gap for the maritime agency.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a gantry crane at a shipping port, representing institutional maritime leadership changes. — New Hampshire Port Authority director Richard Hartley has resigned, marking the second leadership exit in a year and creating uncertainty for state maritime operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Richard Hartley has resigned from his position as director of the New Hampshire Port Authority. His departure follows an investigation into allegations of harassment and retaliation, which ultimately cleared him of misconduct.

Why it matters

The leadership change creates uncertainty for port operations across Portsmouth, Rye, and Seabrook after a period of significant turnover. The agency has now seen two directors exit within a year, impacting the continuity of oversight for maritime infrastructure.

The 18-month tenure of Richard Hartley concludes following the agency's second leadership exit in less than one year. The resignation follows a board-led inquiry into staff allegations that remains a focal point for the Pease Development Authority.

The players

Richard Hartley

Former director of the New Hampshire Port Authority who served for 18 months.

Pease Development Authority

The administrative body responsible for overseeing the New Hampshire Port Authority and its executive leadership.

Geno Marconi

Former New Hampshire Port Authority director who resigned in 2025 following a guilty plea for mishandling confidential records.

The details

The Pease Development Authority, which oversees the director position, had previously directed Hartley to undergo additional leadership training. This resignation occurs after a turbulent period for the agency, which also saw former director Geno Marconi resign in October 2025 after pleading guilty to criminal charges involving the release of confidential records.

Richard Hartley was hired to lead the authority in 2025.
Geno Marconi resigned from the director position in October 2025.
The results of an investigation into Hartley were released in summer 2026.
Hartley served as master of ceremonies at a pier event in August 2026.
Richard Hartley resigned from his position on September 24, 2026.

Market Landscape

The resignation of Hartley marks the second leadership turnover at the state agency following the 2025 resignation of Geno Marconi. This pattern of executive churn complicates the long-term strategic management of New Hampshire maritime assets.

Operators managing maritime-related contracts or regulatory filings in New Hampshire should anticipate potential administrative delays while the role remains vacant. Monitor upcoming Pease Development Authority board meetings for updates on interim leadership and long-term organizational direction.

The takeaway

Frequent leadership turnover at state agencies often creates operational bottlenecks for external vendors. Business owners should verify the current point of contact for port-related permits to avoid processing disruptions.