*****For Immediate Release*****

The Governor and Executive Council have recently confirmed Linda Johnson of Manchester, Janice Markey of Tuftonboro, and Shannon McGinley of Bedford to the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women.

Ms. Johnson holds a law degree from Boston University School of Law. She is currently a partner at McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton Professional Association in Manchester. Ms. Johnson is a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and has served as Vice Chair for their Labor and Employment Committee since 2003. She is also a board member on the Manchester Area Human Resource Association and acts as a volunteer mediator for the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.

Ms. Markey received her B.A. of Economics from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently the Senior Vice President, State Director of Human Resources for Citizens Bank. Ms. Markey has been involved in many community service initiatives including her past membership on the Governor's Workforce Opportunity Council, the Manchester Community Resource Center, and the Dover Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. McGinley received her B.A. in Sport Marketing and Management from Indiana University. She has worked in the LaSalle University Athletic Department as well as the Gatorade/Quaker Oats Company's Sport Marketing Department. Ms. McGinley is currently the Director of the Godparent Program at St. Benedict Academy in Manchester. She also serves as a member of the Bedford Republican Committee and volunteers in children's schools.

The Commission is very pleased to welcome Ms. Johnson, Ms. Markey and Ms. McGinley, "We look forward to advancing the work of the Commission on the Status of Women with the addition of these new Commissioners, who have a wealth of experience and skills through their professional and community work," said Commission Chair Pat Yosha.

The New Hampshire Legislature established the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women in 1969. The Commission is compromised of 15 members who are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Executive Council. Commission members, who live throughout the state, are instrumental in providing information and referral services to women in New Hampshire. As outlined by the New Hampshire state legislature, the Commission's role is to stimulate and encourage study and revisions of the statutes relative to women in New Hampshire; to recommend methods of overcoming discrimination against women in public and private employment and civil and political rights; to promote more effective methods of enabling women to develop their skills and continue their education; and to secure appropriate recognition of women's accomplishments and contributions to the state.

For information on the Commission, call 271-2660, or visit the Commission website.