U.S. Marshal William R. Hart is Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s nominee to run the Department of Corrections, ending a three-month search to fill the vacant post.

Ayotte will make the pick official Wednesday at the Executive Council meeting at Mount Sunapee in Newbury.

If confirmed, Hart will replace Helen Hanks of Lochmere, an unincorporated village that straddles the towns of Tilton and Belmont. She abruptly resigned and ended eight years at the helm after executive councilors raised questions about the agency purchasing tasers for its corrections officers without council approval of a contract.

“Bill Hart has devoted his life to protecting the people of New Hampshire and strengthening our public safety system,” Ayotte said. “His decades of service reflect his commitment, integrity, and abilit

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