Van McLeod, commissioner of the state Department of Cultural Resources, has died.
McLeod, 70, was serving his sixth term as head of the department, which he led for 24 years. He was the longest-tenured state agency head currently serving.
No details are available on what caused his death.
In a statement, Gov. Maggie Hassan described McLeod as a "steadfast steward of our cultural and historic resources in the Granite State."
"Van McLeod was a pillar of our cultural and historic institutions, and Tom and I join his family and loved ones, the arts and humanities communities and people across the state in mourning his loss. He was an extraordinary friend to many people and touched the lives of countless others, and he will be missed enormously.”
McLeod sat down with The Exchange in 2013 to talk about the arts community in New Hampshire.
Tributes are pouring in from across the New Hampshire community Monday morning as news his death spreads.
The Currier family is sad to hear that Van McLeod, commissioner of the NH DCR, has passed away. No one did more to promote culture in NH.
— Currier Museum (@CurrierMuseum) July 18, 2016
Change of an era in New Hampshire. Thanks for many years of public service Van McLeod from @NEFA_Boston https://t.co/A8POk2oY5w
— Cathy Edwards (@CathyJEdwards) July 18, 2016
So sorry to hear that @NHCulture Commisioner Van McLeod passed away this morning. A true champion for New Hampshire. Rest in peace, friend.
— Colin Van Ostern (@cvo) July 18, 2016
