“Goals Are Accomplished Through Respect and Valuing the Entire Team.”
Michael Milligan is a seasoned and visionary executive with over four decades of distinguished service in government operations, law enforcement leadership, regulatory oversight, and community transformation. Throughout his career, he has exemplified unwavering dedication to public service, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. From his early days in municipal law enforcement to leading a $700 million state enterprise, Michael has consistently delivered results by cultivating trust, championing innovation, and empowering teams at all levels.
As Commissioner of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC), Michael was appointed by the Governor to oversee one of the state’s most revenue-generating agencies. Under his leadership, the NHLC underwent a historic transformation. Retail space expanded by 66%, revenue grew by 35%, and the customer experience was revolutionized with strategic rebranding and a digital-first approach. Not only did sales climb to $732 million across 80+ outlets, but the agency also garnered national acclaim for retail innovation, warehouse excellence, and marketing strategies.
Michael’s tenure at NHLC was defined by bold modernization initiatives. He introduced cutting-edge logistics and transportation systems, negotiated with DHL to expand warehousing capabilities, and restructured scheduling and personnel processes—implementing biometric time clocks that saved the state $150,000+ annually. His approach was not just about systems, but about people. He instituted a “Team First” culture that uplifted morale, bridged management-union gaps, and created meaningful professional development paths, especially for women and underrepresented leaders—expanding female leadership roles from 7 to 36.
Before serving as Commissioner, Michael was Chief of Police in Merrimack, NH, where he led public safety operations for a community of 30,000 residents. There, he developed and executed strategic policies, emergency response plans, and criminal investigations oversight while fostering strong relationships with the community. He was instrumental in shaping statewide law enforcement model policies and crafted innovative departmental procedures that elevated the professionalism and transparency of the department.
Michael also held the role of Acting Town Manager of Merrimack, overseeing a $25 million municipal budget and 300+ staff. He led the town through a significant governance transition, introducing new communication technologies and service delivery models. His philosophy of “customer-first government” resonated deeply with both staff and citizens, and he is credited with instilling a leadership culture grounded in accountability, service, and inclusion.
A passionate educator and mentor, Michael has served as adjunct faculty for multiple colleges including Springfield College and the University of New Hampshire system, specializing in subjects such as criminal law, business, and social psychology. He also created and led New Hampshire’s Executive Branch Mentoring Project—training and onboarding new agency leaders and fostering ethical leadership at the highest levels of state government.
Michael’s commitment to public service extends into his volunteer efforts and board service. He is a founding board member of the Hillsborough County Child Advocacy Center and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and a past trustee of the Merrimack Public Library. He has contributed significantly to addiction treatment policy as a board member of New Futures of NH, and served as a fiduciary board member for the NH State Retirement System, overseeing $8 billion in assets.
Michael holds dual Master’s degrees in Human Services Administration and Community Psychology from Springfield College, where he graduated with a 3.92 GPA. He earned his B.S. in Behavioral Science magna cum laude from the University of New Hampshire and an A.S. in Criminal Justice from Mount Washington College. A proud graduate of the FBI National Academy and Babson College’s Institute of Law Enforcement Management, Michael’s academic and leadership credentials are matched by his practical experience in crisis management, program development, and government strategy.
He has also been recognized nationally for his leadership. Market Watch named the NHLC “Retailer of the Year” under his direction. StateWays Magazine awarded the agency multiple “Best of the Best” accolades, reflecting Michael’s pioneering efforts in transforming government operations into efficient, innovative, and customer-centric enterprises. Through thoughtful leadership and relentless execution, he has turned challenges into opportunities and government systems into models of progress.
Michael’s lifelong mission is to lead by example, creating organizations and teams where respect, innovation, and responsibility thrive. Whether he’s modernizing a retail enterprise, training public safety professionals, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Michael Milligan leads with character, strategy, and compassion.
Character:
Michael’s leadership is deeply rooted in integrity, humility, and a strong moral compass. He builds high-trust environments where teams are respected, engaged, and empowered to thrive.
Knowledge:
With extensive experience in law enforcement, municipal government, and state-level regulatory leadership, Michael possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge across public operations, policy, and personnel management.
Strategic:
Michael is a proven strategist who has led multimillion-dollar transformations through vision, data-driven planning, and tactical execution. He sees opportunity where others see barriers and drives impact across every level of an organization.
Communication:
Renowned for his people-first approach, Michael bridges communication gaps between stakeholders, resolves conflict through dialogue, and elevates collaboration between government, unions, and the public.
