CONCORD - The Executive Council today confirmed Gov. John Lynch’s nominees for commissioners of the departments of Education and Employment Security and a new adjutant general for the National Guard.

The Council approved Dr. Virginia Barry of Bridgewater as commissioner of Education, Rep. Tara Reardon of Concord as commissioner of Employment Security, and Brig. Gen. William Reddel of Londonderry as the next Adjutant General.

“I applaud the council for recognizing that these three individuals will make exceptional leaders and bring unique skills to their respective departments. All are committed to the missions of their departments and to serving the people of New Hampshire,” Gov. Lynch said. “In selecting people to lead state government I look for individuals with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, strong management skills, and dedication to public service. I am pleased the Council agreed that Ginny Barry, Tara Reardon and William Reddel meet those qualifications.”

Dr. Barry is a longtime professor and administrator at Plymouth State University. She has held numerous positions at Plymouth State including professor of advanced graduate studies, a position she currently holds, provost and vice president for academic affairs and served as acting president from June 2003 to January 2004.

Dr. Barry received her doctorate in education/human development from Florida State University in 1979. She has also done postdoctoral work at New York University, Harvard University and the College of William and Mary. Dr. Barry is also a former elementary school teacher and principal.

Rep. Reardon is an attorney specializing in commercial and residential lending documentation. She is currently serving her seventh term in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and is the chairman of the House Commerce Committee. She received her law degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center. Reardon is also a former Concord City Councilor and former longtime member of the Concord Zoning Board of adjustment.

Gen. Reddel has been a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard since 1980 is currently the Chief of Staff for the Air National Guard. He has also been a commercial airline pilot for U.S. Airways since 1986. During his military career Gen. Reddel has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Gen. Reddel has flown support missions across the globe with the 157th Air Refueling Wing, including combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.