CONCORD, N.H. - Two distinguished professionals with a commitment to the public good have been selected to serve as the first leadership fellows in the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership and Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire School of Law.

Tom Rath, former New Hampshire attorney general and longtime political powerhouse, and Ned Helms, an expert in the field of health policy and politics, were appointed to work with Executive Director John Broderick in building the center.

"It is a great honor to have Tom and Ned commit to supporting our work to train the next generation of leaders to seek justice, serve their country and work together for the common good," said Broderick. "These two men are known not only for their excellence in their field but for their civility, integrity and commitment to the public good."
Helms is director of the Institute for Health Policy and Practice at the University of New Hampshire, a position he has held since 2001 when he became its founding director.

His past experience includes serving as a legislative and administrative assistant for the health policy in the U.S. Senate, commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Services, and chief administrative officer of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Hampshire. He was appointed by President Obama to serve as a member of the National Prevention Strategy Advisory Board.

Rath is founder of New Hampshire law firm Rath, Young and Pignatelli, and in 2004 cofounded The Rath Group which provides specialized strategic consulting services. He served as attorney general in New Hampshire from 1978-1980. Rath has served as a senior national advisor to the presidential campaigns of Howard Baker, Robert Dole, Lamar Alexander, Mitt Romney and George W. Bush, and been a delegate to the Republican National Convention since 1984.

The fellows will offer advice and consultation to help build the center's endowment and secure its future. The appointments are for one year and may be renewed annually for up to four additional years.

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