John Stephen is a dedicated public servant and innovative healthcare reformer, recently elected to his first term on the New Hampshire Executive Council on November 5. His commitment to public service stems from a lifelong dedication to improving governance, protecting public safety and community welfare in New Hampshire.

Background

Hailing from Manchester, New Hampshire, John has deep roots in the community. His education at the University of New Hampshire and later at Detroit College of Law has shaped his expertise in business and law. His professional journey includes significant roles such as:

• Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (2003-2007), where he led transformative changes, particularly in Medicaid, child welfare, and public health sectors.
• Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, (1998 to 2003), where he championed legislation creating the Divisions of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Management, as well overseeing all government relations of the department   
• Assistant Attorney General, (1994 to 1998), where he prosecuted homicide cases and was the agencies lead trainer for law enforcement at the police academy
• Founder and managing partner of The Stephen Group, a management consulting firm known for its work in assisting states with government reform and efficiency and innovation in the areas of health and human services.

Family and Community

John and his wife, Jenny, have been married for over 30 years, sharing a life steeped in public service. They are proud parents to two daughters, Nicole and Hannah, and in December, they celebrated the birth of their first grandson, a new chapter that adds even more personal motivation to John’s public endeavors. 

His family’s legacy in public service is notable; his father, Bobby, was a State Senator, his brother Chuck served in the Marines, and his brother Rob is a judge and attorney. This tradition of service is one John continues, having co-founded initiatives like:

• NH Veterans Count at Easter Seals, supporting veterans’ needs.
• NH’s All Youth Count, aimed at aiding foster care youth towards independence.

Vision for New Hampshire

John’s vision for New Hampshire reflects his diverse experiences:

• Fiscal Responsibility: He emphasizes careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, ensuring sustainable economic policies that don’t treat citizens as mere revenue sources.
• Healthcare Reform: Drawing from his past experiences, John is passionate about continuing reforms in healthcare, focusing on prevention, wellness, and efficient service delivery.
• Education and Child Welfare: His tenure at DHHS resulted in New Hampshire ranking first nationally in child welfare outcomes, a benchmark he aims to maintain and improve upon.
• Public Safety: With a background in law enforcement and public safety roles, John advocates for policies that enhance community safety while respecting individual freedoms.

Achievements

• Health Care Reform: Under his leadership, New Hampshire’s Medicaid saw increased focus on home and community-based care, reducing reliance on expensive nursing homes.
• Child Welfare: His initiatives led to significant improvements in child welfare metrics, making New Hampshire a model for the nation.
• Government Efficiency:  Nationally, his consulting firm, The Stephen Group, has helped states identify over a billion dollars in government savings   
• Public Service: He has authored six books on law enforcement and has been a guest lecturer at Babson College, sharing his knowledge and experience.

Connect with John

For more information or to get involved:

• Email: info@johnstephennh.com
• X: x.com/JohnStephenNH
• Facebook: facebook.com/JohnStephenNH