CONCORD – After 13 years at the helm of the state's most diverse department, Commissioner George Bald Thursday said he intends to retire Nov. 1.

Bald, the former mayor of Somersworth, has served almost 13 years as Department of Resources and Economic Development commissioner.

Bald was named to the post in 1998 by former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen.

In his resignation letter to Gov. John Lynch, Bald wrote, “I can't thank you enough for your support and encouragement over the past six years … The opportunity to work with the DRED team has been a wonderful experience. They are some of the hardest-working people I have ever met.”

Gov. Lynch said, "Because of George's hard work and dedication to the North Country, the mill continues to operate in Gorham and a new wood-to-energy power plant is being constructed in Berlin. And under George's guidance, New Hampshire's State Parks remain jewels enjoyed by our citizens and visitors and our tourism industry continues to be a vibrant part of our economy."