Gov. Sununu, Director Arvelo

Wildolfo (Will) Arvelo was sworn in Jan. 18 as director of the Division of Economic Development by Gov. Chris Sununu.

Arvelo joined the agency earlier this month, following 11 years as president of Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth.

During that time, he oversaw the college’s move from Stratham to the Pease International Tradeport; development of the Advanced Technology and Academic Center in Rochester and a catalyst for creating programs meeting the needs of Seacoast employers and industries.

Taylor Caswell, commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, said Arvelo’s experience is a great fit for the division, at a time when New Hampshire is growing.

“Our economy demands that we be able to meet the workforce demands of our employer community, and Will’s experience fits perfectly into those strategies,” Caswell said.

In his new role, Arvelo will oversee the division charged with business retention; business recruitment; international commerce; government contracting; workforce development, and marketing.

“I am honored and overjoyed to be joining Governor Sununu, Commissioner Caswell, and the Business and Economic Affairs team as we focus on building the economic landscape and workforce that will carry New Hampshire into the future and make it a top destination for new companies, workers and visitors,” he said. “I’m excited about, and looking forward to, working with entities and the many talented people across the state interested in collaborating as we explore new directions for how we think about and implement economic and workforce development strategies and initiatives.”