Erle Pierce

CONCORD – Erle Pierce, Concord City Councilor and former Verizon Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, has begun a three-year term as a New Hampshire Lottery Commissioner. Pierce was nominated by Governor Chris Sununu and confirmed by the Executive Council on August 18, 2021. Pierce takes over for former Commissioner Paul Holloway, whose term concluded June 30 after more than 20 years on the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

“The opportunity to serve on the New Hampshire Lottery Commission is a great honor, and I am looking forward to working alongside this incredible team and organization that has achieved impressive growth and success, especially over the past few years,” Pierce said. “I hope to use my technical background with telecommunications networks and my extensive public affairs experience to help the New Hampshire Lottery continue to grow and to build on its accomplishments. I have served on a variety of boards and commissions and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity to support the New Hampshire Lottery’s mission to maximize revenue for statewide education, as giving back to the state is extremely important to me.”

Pierce, a Vermont native, worked for Verizon Communications for over three decades, beginning as a central office and toll technician in Burlington, VT. During his tenure, he served in many positions, including Public Affairs Director. In this role, Pierce was company spokesperson and responsible for media relations, community affairs, philanthropic initiatives, and external branding for Verizon. Following this, he served as Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, in which he worked with state and local legislators to introduce Fios throughout the state, while overseeing media involvement, community relations and corporate philanthropy.

Pierce is the recipient of the Bell Atlantic Excellence Award for the presentation of a high-profile community event and was a finalist for the Verizon Excellence Award. He was also a member of Leadership New Hampshire’s Class of 1999. Pierce retired from Verizon in 2007, after dedicating more than 32 years of service to the organization.

“We are pleased to welcome Erle Pierce to the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. As a longstanding business and community leader in New Hampshire, he brings an essential new perspective to the team,” said Charlie McIntyre, Executive Director, New Hampshire Lottery. “His comprehensive business expertise and community involvement, along with his passion for volunteer work and giving back to the state, will make him a valuable asset in our ongoing efforts to support New Hampshire education, as we both engage our current players and expand our reach into new audiences.”

Following his time at Verizon, Pierce served as Principle for Pierce Public Affairs, LLC, providing public affairs consulting, such as grassroots campaigning, policy advising and lobbying services on behalf of several clients at Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group in Concord. In 2018, Pierce was appointed to the Concord Planning Board and in 2019 was elected to the Concord City Council.

In addition to his extensive professional career, Pierce previously served on multiple local and state boards and commissions, including as Governor-appointed Commissioner to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and as a two-term Chairman of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.