CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch will nominate Arthur Nickless of Rochester to serve on the board of the Pease Development Authority at tomorrow's Governor and Council meeting. If the Council confirms the nomination, Gov. Lynch intends to designate Mr. Nickless to serve as the board's chair.

Mr. Nickless has served as the Strafford County representative to the Pease Development Authority, which is not a Governor and Council appointment, since 1996. If confirmed, he will replace Bill Bartlett, who decided to retire as chair. Under state law, the Governor designates one member of the board as chair.

"Pease is a critical economic engine for the Seacoast and for our state as a whole, and as a longtime member of the Board, Mr. Nickless has played an important role in helping make Pease a success story," Gov. Lynch said. "I want to see Pease continue to grow, attracting new businesses and jobs to our state. I believe that as chair of the board, Arthur Nickless will further that goal."

Mr. Nickless is the co-owner and president of Norway Plains Associates Inc. of Rochester, a land surveying and civil engineering firm.

He is chair of the Rochester Housing Authority Commission, a role he has held since 1994. He is also a trustee of the Roger Allen Recreation Association, a member of the Rochester Comprehensive Rezoning Committee, a director of the Rochester Fair, a past president and director of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and past president of the Strafford County YMCA.

Mr. Nickless has been honored by numerous community groups. The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce named him business leader of the year in 1996 and the Rochester Jaycees naming him outstanding citizen of the year in 1989 and outstanding community leader in 1995.

Communications Director
Office of the Governor
603-271-2121