MANCHESTER - The Executive Council today unanimously confirmed Gov. John Lynch’s nomination of Michael Delaney as Attorney General.

Delaney possesses a wealth of legal experience in both the public and private sector. He is a veteran of the Attorney General’s Office, having served in the office from 1999 to 2006, rising to the rank of Deputy Attorney General in 2004. Since leaving the Attorney General’s Office, Delaney has served as legal counsel for Gov. Lynch.

“Mike Delaney possesses a keen, legal intellect, strong leadership qualities and a commitment to justice. He is widely respected across state government for his work with legislators, state agencies and law enforcement on important issues facing the state,” Gov. Lynch said. “Mike has distinguished himself throughout his career and I know he will continue to distinguish himself. I know he will be an outstanding Attorney General.”

Prior to be being named Deputy Attorney General, Delaney served as the Chief of the Homicide Unit in the Attorney General’s Office. Delaney was a prosecutor in the Half and Suzanne Zantop murder case, earning a commendation from FBI for his work.

Delaney also successfully prosecuted Gary Sampson for the murder of Concord resident Eli Whitney. Sampson was also convicted of capital murder in federal court in Boston for the murder of two individuals in Massachusetts.

“I want to thank Governor Lynch for appointing me to serve as Attorney General. I am honored to serve the people of this State as Attorney General, and I am grateful to the Executive Council for confirming my nomination,” Delaney said.

Governor Lynch will swear in Delaney on Monday, August 24th at 10 a.m.

Delaney graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross in 1991. He received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1994. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Delaney was an attorney with the Manchester firm of Wiggin & Nourie focusing on business litigation.

Previously, he has served on the New Hampshire Bar Association’s Ethics Committee and the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s Committee on Character and Fitness. Delaney currently serves on the board of the Webster House in Manchester.

He lives in Manchester with his wife, Caroline, and their three young children.