New Hampshire Department of Education selects new director for its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) announces the selection of Richard K. Sala of Hopkinton as the new director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR New Hampshire). 

Sala will be responsible for administering the operations of VR New Hampshire in the development and implementation of federal and state programs, as well as authorizing and directing all aspects of program operations to accomplish agency outcomes for both individuals with disabilities and business partners. He will implement long-term policies and strategies that help to transform lives by securing meaningful careers and meeting workforce goals. 

Sala is a former member of the State Board of Education and was previously employed by NHED where he served as an attorney from June 2018 to August 2019. More recently, he has served as a Professor of Law and Director of the Academic Success Program and Online Learning Program at Vermont Law and Graduate School. Earlier, Sala served in the U.S. Marines, having received several Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and Achievement Medals for his time in service. 

“Richard Sala has demonstrated his leadership both while serving our country as a Marine, as well as his service to the state and in higher education. Mr. Sala has a close connection to our veteran community and others who may be coping with a disability while working toward productive employment in our state. I am excited for him to join our team,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner.

“I am eager to continue my service with the New Hampshire Department of Education as the Director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation is where the convergence of passion and purpose propels every opportunity into a transformative pathway, empowering lives through meaningful vocational experiences,” said Sala. “I am honored to join a team dedicated to paving the way for individuals to flourish on their unique vocational journeys, contributing to personal growth and fortifying the Granite State economy by adding to its already exceptional workforce.”

Sala has earned a Master of Business Administration degree, Master of Environmental Law and Policy degree, and has been a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association since 2013. 

“Sala’s leadership and institutional knowledge will be incredibly valuable to the VR team and the entire New Hampshire Department of Education,” said Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner. “We are pleased to welcome Sala back to our agency and are confident that his experience and skills as an attorney, as well as his compassionate understanding that all individuals deserve fulfilling careers, will enable him to succeed in this position.”

Sala will be replacing Lisa Hinson-Hatz, who most recently served as the director of VR New Hampshire and had been with the Department for 20 years before recently relocating to take a similar position elsewhere.