Governor Chris Sununu Statement on Confirmation of Moira K. O'Neill as Director of the Office of the Child Advocate

Concord, NH -Today, the Executive Council approved Governor Chris Sununu's nomination of Moira K. O'Neill, RN, PhD to serve as the first Director of the Office of the Child Advocate.

"Throughout her distinguished career, Moira has a proven track record of advocating for and working on behalf of our most vulnerable children," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Moira will work tirelessly to improve our state's commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our children, and I commend the Executive Council for confirming Director O'Neill today."

Director O'Neill said of her confirmation, "It is a great honor to be chosen to serve the children of New Hampshire as the first director of the Office of the Child Advocate. It comes with a promise of transparency through scrutiny. It takes great courage for state leaders to submit to independent oversight and further confirms the value of children as the future of New Hampshire. Our oversight will help ensure children are safe, caseworkers are trained and well-supported, and the system is functioning effectively and efficiently to maximize the use of the state's precious resources."

O'Neill served for 11 years with the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate. She has also conducted extensive research on child advocate and ombudsman offices across the country.