CONCORD, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire School of Law has named Richard Ashooh interim executive director of the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership and Public Policy.

"Rich's expertise in business, higher education and public policy positions him perfectly to advance the Rudman Center initiative," says Jordan Budd, interim dean of the law school. "His background and passion for the institution align well with the immediate needs of the Rudman Center, and he is uniquely well-suited as a UNH undergrad, a protégé of Sen. Rudman and a leader on public policy in the state to move the center forward toward its full potential."

Ashooh worked for six years on Rudman's staff and is a leader in the state's higher education and business communities, having served on the board of trustees for the University System of New Hampshire and the Business and Industry Association. Ashooh was most recently director of strategy and planning at BAE Systems, a global aerospace company and one of New Hampshire's largest employers.

"Rich and I both had the honor of working for Sen. Rudman and understand that mentoring young public servants is among the greatest aspects of his legacy," said Tom Rath, co-chair of the Rudman Center Board of Advisors. "Rich has dedicated himself to his community and to public service, and he'll be the perfect person to move the center forward toward its long-term objectives."

"Warren thought the world of Rich," said Margaret Rudman, the late senator's widow. "Rich's achievements in business and public policy, as well as his commitment to education, will make him a tremendous asset to the students and the university. I'm thrilled that he'll be able to honor Warren's legacy in his new positon."

Ashooh's appointment comes at a critical time for the Rudman Center as it strengthens its commitment to being a student-focused institute preparing law students for careers in public service. His experience in business, political and higher education environments aligns with the current needs of the Rudman Center and situates him to smooth the transition to future leadership.

"My efforts will be dedicated to bolstering the center's fundamentals: institutional advancement, mission focus and meeting the needs of its students," Ashooh said. "Prioritizing these factors will pave the way to the center's long-term leadership."

Coinciding with Ashooh's arrival, UNH President Mark Huddleston today announced the launch of the Rudman Public Forum Series at UNH. The series of discussions on topics of national importance will build on the previous public policy events platform supported at the law school and expand that institutional effort across the entire university.

"I am delighted Rich will be leading the Rudman Center; I know he will do a great job," said Huddleston. "I am also excited to be able to expand the Rudman Public Forum Series to all three of our campuses to better expose citizens of the state and the university community to the global policy leaders this series attracts. The goal of the series is to offer events that help to facilitate conversation and meaningful community involvement in the most pressing policy issues of our time."

A 1986 graduate of UNH, Ashooh has dedicated himself to community organizations throughout the state, having served on the board of the Catholic Medical Center and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, among others. He was born and raised in Manchester and lives in Bedford with his wife and their five children.

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University of New Hampshire School of Law has named Richard Ashooh interim executive director of the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership and Public Policy.

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