BETHLEHEM - The new executive director of the regional planning organization in New Hampshire's North Country has extensive experience in the economic development of the region.

The board of directors at the North Country Council unanimously selected Jeffrey Hayes to succeed Michael King, who stepped down earlier this year. Hayes has worked for the North Country Council for 16 years as the economic development director.

"A few of the well-known projects that he has had an integral role in bringing to fruition include the Northern Forest Sustainable Economy Initiative; the Coos Economic Action Plan; the landfill gas pipeline to Gorham Paper and Tissue; the Mountain View Grand rehabilitation in Whitefield; the creation and expansion of the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center in Lebanon; the Coos Wood Availability study and the New Hampshire Living Wage Study," said Benoit Lamontagne, chairman of the NCC board of directors. "His knowledge, experience and leadership are going to be important assets to the council as we move into the future."

The North Country Council, founded in 1973, is the state-designated regional planning commission and federally-designated economic development district for the northern third of New Hampshire, serving 51 communities and 24 unincorporated places.