CONCORD, NH - Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced she will nominate Allen D. Aldenberg as Acting Child Advocate.

Aldenberg, formerly the Chief of the Manchester Police Department, holds the rank of Brigadier General in the New Hampshire Army National Guard and currently serves as Assistant Adjutant General. Aldenberg is also a certified Crisis Intervention Team member and previously served on the board of the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester.

If confirmed, Aldenberg will serve as temporary department head of the Office of the Child Advocate with a term of 90 days while the search for a permanent Child Advocate continues.

Ayotte did not reappoint Cassandra Sanchez, the state's second child advocate, and after a long hearing after being nominated by Ayotte, Diana Fenton withdrew from consideration after suggestions she could not be impartial in that role.

Governor Ayotte released the following statement on Aldenberg's nomination:

"General Al Aldenberg is an outstanding public servant, from his distinguished career in the military to his service as Chief of the Manchester Police Department. As Chief in Manchester, Al saw firsthand what happens when systems fail to protect children, and he will be a steadfast leader for the Office of the Child Advocate during this period of transition. As we search for a new permanent Child Advocate, I am confident Al will help ensure the State is upholding its commitment to protect children in our care."

About Al Aldenberg:

Allen D. "Al" Aldenberg is a veteran law enforcement executive and military leader with more than 30 years of experience in public safety and 34 years of service in the Army National Guard, now serving as the Assistant Adjutant General for the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

Aldenberg currently serves as a Law Enforcement Training Specialist with the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council. Aldenberg is also a certified Crisis Intervention Team member and previously served on the board of the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester.

Previously, Aldenberg served as Chief Military and Veterans Services Officer at Easterseals New Hampshire and as Chief of Police for the Manchester Police Department from 2020 to 2024. Prior to his tenure as chief, he was a member of the police department since 2003 and held numerous leadership positions.

Aldenberg is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Master's in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Master's in Justice Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Norwich University.