CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today named Joanne Morin to serve as director of the Office of Energy and Planning. Morin will take over for Amy Ignatius, who was recently appointed by Gov. Lynch to the Public Utilities Commission.

“Energy and sustainable growth are two of the major challenges that we face here in New Hampshire and the Office of Energy and Planning plays a vital role in addressing those issues,” Gov. Lynch said.

“Joanne Morin brings a wealth of policy expertise, management skill and leadership ability necessary to ensure that the Office of Energy and Planning will continue working effectively to help address these challenges,” Gov. Lynch said.

Morin recently served as the Climate and Energy Program Manager in the Air Resources Division of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, where she worked closely with the Office of Energy and Planning. Prior to joining DES in 2000, Morin worked at the Timberland Company in Stratham where she was the corporate manager of environmental, health and safety. She has also worked as an environmental consultant and project manager, with significant experience in the area of managing federal contracts.

Morin is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, and received a master’s degree in biology from the State University of New York - Binghamton.