Governor Ayotte Directs State Agencies to Prioritize Hiring Veterans

CONCORD, NH - Today, ahead of the Veterans Day holiday, Governor Kelly Ayotte issued an Executive Order requiring all New Hampshire Executive Branch agencies to grant interviews to qualified current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, the New Hampshire National Guard, and their spouses for any publicly posted state job.

Announcing the order, Governor Ayotte said, "We owe a tremendous debt to the men and women who have defended our freedom. I know how hard the transition to the workforce can be after serving, which is why the State is going to make it a priority to hire veterans and military spouses. I hope businesses across our state will join us in that effort. Together, we can make New Hampshire the most veteran-friendly state in the nation."

Earlier this year, New Hampshire was named one of the top states for military veterans. The Governor's executive order aims to strengthen access to employment opportunities for veterans and their spouses with the State and encourage municipalities, state vendors, and all businesses to do the same.

Overview of the Governor's Executive Order:

• Requires all Executive Branch agencies to interview qualified applicants from these groups for any publicly posted or classified position.
• Applicants must meet minimum job qualifications and provide proof of honorable service (DD214 or NGB22); spouses must also provide a valid marriage certificate.
• The Adjutant General may develop Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with agencies to facilitate compliance, subject to the Governor's approval.
• Agencies retain full discretion over final hiring decisions.
• Encourages municipalities and state vendors to adopt similar hiring practices to make New Hampshire even more veteran-friendly.

Read Executive Order 2025-07 here.