Richard Hartley Resigned as New Hampshire Port Director

The New Hampshire Port Authority director stepped down after serving in the role since 2025.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

Richard Hartley Resigned as New Hampshire Port Director

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Richard Hartley resigned from his position as director of the New Hampshire Port Authority on September 24, 2026. His departure follows an 18-month tenure leading the state agency.

Why it matters

The resignation marks a transition for the agency, which oversees port operations in locations including Portsmouth, Rye, and Seabrook. The leadership change comes after an investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct was previously resolved.

Richard Hartley served as the director for 18 months following his 2025 hiring. The Pease Development Authority board previously oversaw the investigation and leadership training requirements.

The players

Richard Hartley

He served as the director of the New Hampshire Port Authority from 2025 until his resignation in 2026.

Pease Development Authority

This organization is the state entity responsible for overseeing the operations and leadership of the New Hampshire Port Authority.

Geno Marconi

He is the former port director who resigned in 2025 after pleading guilty to charges related to the release of confidential motor vehicle and boating records.

The details

The Pease Development Authority, which oversees the director position, had previously ordered Hartley to complete leadership training. This investigation cleared him of allegations concerning harassment and retaliation against port authority staff.

Richard Hartley was hired to lead the authority in 2025.
Geno Marconi resigned from the director position in October 2025.
The investigation results regarding Hartley were released in summer 2026.
Hartley served as master of ceremonies at a pier event in August 2026.
Hartley officially resigned on September 24, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move marks a continuation of leadership turnover at the agency following the 2025 resignation of Geno Marconi. The administrative change reflects ongoing oversight transitions within the state's maritime management structure.

The leadership change at the top of the port authority may lead to adjustments in how the agency manages daily harbor operations in Portsmouth, Rye, and Seabrook. Residents and business stakeholders should monitor the board for announcements regarding an interim director.

The takeaway

Leadership instability at public agencies often necessitates increased oversight from governing boards to maintain operational standards. Stakeholders should monitor public board meetings to track how the agency plans to fill the vacancy and maintain port services.