Special to Seacoastonline
news@seacoastonline.com
May 22, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET
CONCORD — The Executive Council on May 20 unanimously confirmed Shawn Hamilton as the next director of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, returning a longtime parks veteran to the agency where he began his career.
“For the past 90 years, New Hampshire State Parks have been a point of tremendous pride for Granite Staters and a critical part of protecting our natural beauty,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte said in a statement. “Shawn Hamilton has the experience, out‑of‑the‑box thinking and passion for the outdoors that we need in our next Parks director.”
Hamilton, who started as a seasonal employee at Pawtuckaway State Park while attending Plymouth State College, said he is honored to take on the role.
“One of the missions of the Division is to provide New Hampshire’s citizens and guests with outstanding recreational, educational and inspirational experiences, and I’m proud to accept the lead role for that important responsibility,” Hamilton said. “My background and career history with New Hampshire State Parks will allow me to hit the ground running.”
Hamilton rose through the ranks during his earlier tenure with the division, eventually overseeing system‑wide initiatives including e‑commerce and reservation systems and staff training programs aimed at improving visitor experiences.
Most recently, he served as chief customer officer for a software company that provides management tools for outdoor recreation facilities — a role that gave him insight into how park systems operate across the country.
“Shawn has a great advantage in that he starts as director with full respect of New Hampshire State Park employees because he understands their day‑to‑day,” said Adam Crepeau, commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which oversees the Division of Parks and Recreation. “He has the unique ability to communicate with and understand the concerns of everyone, from visitors to park staff to elected officials.”
Hamilton holds a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University and has completed the state’s Certified Public Manager and Certified Public Supervisor programs. He was named “Top Academic Performer” by the National Association of State Park Directors and is a member of the Reservation System and Business Managers Association.
The Division of Parks and Recreation manages 94 properties across the state, including parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides and natural areas.
