Gordon MacDonald, the chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, resigned on Tuesday after a panel found he violated the state’s ethics code.
MacDonald exercised favoritism and bypassed merit-based hiring practices, according to a Supreme Court order, by giving a longtime ally, Dianne Martin, a new role in an unconventional way.
Martin, who in recent years held the top administrative job at the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, was laid off from state government last spring. She was rehired two days later as general counsel, but the short gap enabled a $50,000 payout of unused sick and vacation time from her prior role, as first reported by NHPR.
That prompted the Judicial Conduct Committee, which oversees judges’ behavior, to review the matter. That panel elevated it to an official complaint in March, then published its findings on Tuesday.
MacDonald acknowledged the violations, did not contest them and agreed to resign as part of a settlement, according to the Judicial Conduct Committee, meaning a formal hearing will not be pursued.
“I believe this is in the best interests of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch,” MacDonald wrote in his resignation letter. “I accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct. It has been an honor to serve the people of New Hampshire.”
Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she received his resignation but did not comment further.
Martin is still listed online as a state employee.
MacDonald was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice in 2021 following his appointment by former governor Chris Sununu, under whom he also served as attorney general. MacDonald had been on medical leave since July 24, and the associate justices had taken on his administrative workload at that time.
“The Judicial Branch remains focused on carrying out its responsibilities to the public and ensuring that the work of the courts continues without interruption,” David Sakowich, spokesperson for the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, said in a statement.
