Pease Development Authority oversees the Division of Ports and Harbors.

PORTSMOUTH - The Pease Development Authority stated Friday that an external review found no basis for claims of harassment or retaliation against Ports and Harbors Director Richard Hartley. The complaints came from one current employee and one former employee.

Hartley took the director position after Geno Marconi resigned last year under a plea agreement tied to a misdemeanor conviction. The PDA hired the law firm Holland and Knight LLP to examine the allegations, a step that drew criticism from Rep. Joe Barton, R-Littleton.

The PDA release noted that the investigation did not substantiate claims of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. No violations of the PDA Harassment/Retaliation Policy were identified. The board released unsealed minutes from its non-public session that detail the findings and board actions.

Given Hartley leadership position, the board suggested leadership training to support better communication and workplace culture, though it stressed this step was not disciplinary.

Rep. Barton responded that the existence of complaints from both a current and former employee warrants closer scrutiny. He questioned the independence of the review because the firm was chosen and paid by the PDA. Barton also noted that the public received only summaries and minutes rather than the full investigative record, which he said limits evaluation of the process. He called for the Speaker of the New Hampshire House to form a bipartisan legislative committee to examine the complaints, management practices, and board handling of the matter.

PDA Board Chair Steve Duprey stated that Hartley has strengthened New Hampshire ports and harbors through honest and professional leadership, resulting in greater efficiency and strategic progress. Duprey affirmed the board full confidence in Hartley continued role.

Hartley, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, expressed pride in the team accomplishments and appreciation for the board support, pledging to keep advancing the state maritime operations.

Geno Marconi resigned on Oct. 31, 2025, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor under the driver privacy act. An Attorney General investigation found no serious crime. His wife, former state Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi, was found guilty of a misdemeanor for meeting with then-Governor Chris Sununu about the inquiry. She received a fine of $1,200, avoided jail time, and has since retired.