CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch said today that he will nominate Hampton Police Chief William Wrenn to serve as New Hampshire's Commissioner of Corrections at Wednesday's Governor and Council meeting.

"Chief Wrenn's brings proven management ability, 30 years of New Hampshire law enforcement experience and deep knowledge of public policy in New Hampshire. His long commitment to protecting the public will serve the people of New Hampshire well at the Department of Corrections," Gov. Lynch said.

"Chief Wrenn has the knowledge and proven ability to work with me, the legislature, and Corrections employees to develop a long-term vision for our Corrections Department that focuses keeping our citizens safe and reducing crime," Gov. Lynch said.

Before he was named police chief in February 1995, Wrenn worked his way up through the ranks of the Hampton Police Department, starting as a part-time officer in June 1974 and becoming a full-time officer in December 1974. He served as a detective, detective sergeant in command of the criminal investigation division, deputy chief of police for administration, deputy chief of police for operations, and acting police chief.

As the former president (2000-2001) and the current legislative committee chairman of the New Hampshire Association of chiefs of Police, Wrenn has been deeply involved in working to improve New Hampshire's laws to better protect citizens. For example, as legislative chair for the police chiefs, Wrenn recently worked closely with Gov. Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte to develop the Child Protection Act, comprehensive and tough legislation to protect New Hampshire's children from sexual predators.

In addition, he has served as a member of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training council since 1999, as the chairman of the Seacoast Credit Union's Board of Directors since 1996, and has a member of the Judicial Selection Commission from 2000 to 2003.

Wren received his associate's degree in criminal justice from Northern Essex Community College in 1978, his bachelor's in criminal justice from Northeastern University in 1981 and his law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law in 1995. He graduated from the FBI's National Academy in 1984.