The New Hampshire Liquor Commission recently named James Vara Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Division of Administration. Vara (pictured above) is responsible for all financial operations, grants management, and general administrative support operations. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD – The New Hampshire Liquor Commission recently named James Vara Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Division of Administration. In his new role, Vara is responsible for all financial operations, grants management, and general administrative support operations. Vara previously served as Chief Legal Counsel, a position he held since joining NHLC in March 2019. He was confirmed by the New Hampshire Executive Council on Wednesday.

“Throughout his career, James has shown his dedication to serving the state of New Hampshire, and we are fortunate to welcome him into this new role as Director of Administration and COO,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “The knowledge and experience James brings to NHLC has been a tremendous asset over the past three years, and we know he is highly qualified to oversee the NHLC Division of Administration.”

As COO and Director of the Division of Administration, Vara will provide strong leadership and guidance for all NHLC personnel, while also supporting NHLC’s mission, vision and values. Vara will be responsible for ensuring agency wide oversight of budget control, efficient operations, information technology, government, and legislative relations, while maintaining compliance with state, federal and local laws.

“Since 2005, I have dedicated my career to public service, which has included being a prosecutor, State’s Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health, Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice, and my most recent role as the Chief Legal Counsel at NHLC. I look forward to stepping into this role, and I appreciate the chance to continue serving NHLC and the State,” Vara said. “NHLC works diligently to generate revenue for the New Hampshire General Fund, which helps fund critical services, and to educate the public on responsible enjoyment. As the Director of Administration and COO, I look forward to continuing to support these missions for the benefit of the people of New Hampshire.”

Prior to his role as Chief Legal Counsel, Vara was the Chief of Staff at the New Hampshire Department of Justice from 2017 to 2019. From March 2016 to June 2017, Vara was the Governor’s Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health (“Drug Czar”), working for both Governor Chris Sununu and Governor Maggie Hassan. Between 2005 and 2009, Vara was an Assistant County Attorney at the Grafton County Attorney’s Office, before moving on to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, where he was employed from 2009 through 2016 and 2017 through 2019.

While at the Attorney General’s Office, Vara led the Drug Prosecution Unit in the Criminal Justice Bureau from January 2013 to March 2016. Before leading the Drug Prosecution Unit, he was assigned to the Homicide Unit and general prosecution. Vara received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Montclair State University in 2000 and his Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law in 2003.

Newsletter