Rich Lavers is the current commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. Sworn into his position in November 2025, Rich started with the Department in 2010, most recently serving as Deputy Commissioner for 12 years under former Commissioner George Copadis. A strong believer in the critical role of state government in serving the people of New Hampshire, Rich focuses his energy on collaborating with other state agencies to help create a more efficient and productive public sector while also working closely with leaders in private industry and the non-profit sector to help keep all of New Hampshire working. Throughout his time with the Department, Rich has helped to foster an environment where people are valued, and quality customer service is paramount. Nobody should accept to expect less when seeking information or services from state government. Rich graduated from Boston College and earned his law degree from Suffolk University and has deep roots in the state�s north country. Rich currently lives in Hopkinton with his wife and two children.

Phil Sletten is the Research Director at the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, where he has worked since 2016. He has expertise in research and analysis related to the State Budget, State revenues and expenditures, the economy, and the financial wellbeing of Granite Staters with low and moderate incomes. Phil has degrees from Grinnell College in Iowa and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Phil was named the 2020 Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, as well as one of the New Hampshire Union Leader�s 40 Under 40 in 2021 and one of Business New Hampshire Magazine�s 40 Influential Leaders in New Hampshire in 2024. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Phil lives in an old farmhouse on a dirt road in rural Henniker.