After nearly Tim Murphy will retire at the end of March as executive director of the Southwest Region Planning Commission.

The commission serves 33 communities in the Monadnock region, including Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Greenville, Hancock, Jaffrey, New Ipswich, Peterborough, Sharon and Temple, on planning-related matters.

Murphy will be succeeded by Todd Horner effective April 1.

Established in 1971, SWRPC’s overall mission is to promote conservation and effective management of natural, cultural and economic resources. Under Murphy’s direction, the agency has expanded its work to extend beyond land-use, transportation and environmental issues to include economic development, emergency management, brownfields, public health planning and broadband.

“I am honored to have had the privilege of serving SWRPC and the communities of southwest New Hampshire,” stated Murphy. “To have had such a supportive board, as well as a dedicated and talented staff over the years, has made for meaningful and effective progress for the region and the communities we serve.”

SWRPC Chairman Tom Mullins stated, “Tim has brought integrity to SWRPC and actively pursued programs which have expanded the scope of regional planning in the State of New Hampshire. On behalf of the board, I want to thank Tim for his years of service to the commission, and also for his dedication to the communities that we represent.”

Horner joined SWRPC in 2018 and was named one of two assistant directors in January 2023. 

“Todd offers a combination of continuity and fresh ideas as we look to the future. On behalf of the board of directors, we are excited to welcome Todd as our incoming CEO,” Mullins stated.