CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today he will nominate Linda Hodgdon of Epsom, a state government veteran who has served three governors and as a financial manager in several state agencies, to serve as commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services at tomorrow’s Governor and Council meeting. The Executive Council must approve the nomination.

“Linda Hodgdon will bring more than 20 years financial experience in New Hampshire state government, a deep knowledge of the state budget, a good working relationship with legislators and people throughout state government to this post,” Gov. Lynch said. “Linda is widely respected throughout state government for her financial and administrative expertise, and she is one of the best financial people I’ve ever met in the private or public sector. I believe she has the knowledge, commitment and leadership necessary to help us continue to modernize state government operations and to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”

Hodgdon has served as the Governor’s budget director since March 2006. She has also served two other governors in budgetary roles. From 1985 to 1988, she served as a financial analyst for Gov. John Sununu, monitoring state agency spending and serving as the governor’s liaison in bonding negotiations. From 2000 to 2002, Hodgdon served as budget director for Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.

From 2004 to 2006, Hodgdon also served as the Department of Justice’s director of administration, where she developed the agency’s budget and managed its finances, managed federal grants, and negotiated contracts. From 2002 to 2004, she worked at the Department of Health and Human Services, first as the Medicaid Finance Director and then as the bureau chief for the Bureau of Financial Review and Integrity. From 1998 to 2000, she was the administrator of information technology for the Department of Transportation, and from 1988 to 1998, she was the Department’s financial manager.

“I am honored to be nominated,” Hodgdon said. “There are a number of challenges facing the state, including the successful implementation of the new financial management system; implementing a system for regularly reviewing expenditures; examining whether we should centralize more purchasing to improve efficiency; and building a strong bench of financial managers for state government. I look forward to discussing these issues with members of the Executive Council.”

If confirmed, Hodgdon would take over for current Administrative Services Commissioner Don Hill who recently announced he will retire effective Feb. 29. Hodgdon would fill the remainder of Hill’s term, which expires July 1.

Hill has dedicated 36 years to state service. He served as commissioner of Administrative Services for 12 years and under four governors.