Former Salem State Rep Named Deputy Insurance Commissioner

SALEM, NH — A former state representative for Salem who has been working with New Hampshire's governor for several years will be the next deputy commissioner for the state's insurance department.

DJ Bettencourt, who has been been a policy director and working as a liaison to the department for Gov. Chris Sununu, will take of the deputy commissioner's role on Jan. 15.

"DJ has dedicated his career to state service," Chris Nicolopoulos, the commissioner of the department said. "He will be a great addition to the hard-working team here at the department, and I look forward to working with him."

Bettencourt, while serving as liaison, worked on individual market stability issues with insurance companies including assisting with the state's 1332 Waiver and transitioning Medicaid expansion out of the individual market and into managed care. He has also the co-chairman of the Governor's Economic Reopening Task Force during the coronavirus pandemic.

"My experiences in the governor's office, as well as eight years in the Legislature and time in the private and nonprofit sectors, have prepared me well for this exciting new opportunity," he said. "I want to thank Commissioner Nicolopoulos and Gov. Sununu for their nomination and approval of me to this post. I very much look forward to working with the dedicated employees of the Department of Insurance."

Bettencourt called it "a special privilege and honor" to serve in the Sununu administration during the past four years and commended the governor for his leadership and accomplishments in the state. He said he was "deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving" the state as the deputy commissioner.

The governor also commended Bettencourt's work with the state.

"DJ has been an integral part of my administration since day one, and I am excited for his next challenge," Sununu said. "From advocating for expanded school choice to promoting policies that have strengthened the New Hampshire Advantage all while overseeing the State's Economic Reopening Taskforce, DJ has helped my administration in countless ways. I cannot thank him enough for his years of service — and look forward to many more at the Department of Insurance."

Bettencourt was elected to the House in 2004 at the age of 20 and became the nation's and New Hampshire's youngest legislative majority leader at the time. He also worked on a number of political campaigns and has been a cheerleader for New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary. Bettencourt announced his resignation from the position in mid-2012 to take a new job but later, it was learned he misrepresented his internship reporting to the University of NH School of Law while trying to obtain his degree. Bettencourt apologized, finished his commitments to the school, and received his law degree. He has also worked as a volunteer coordinator for the Salem Animal Rescue League and the Salem's budget committee.

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