Who's On Our Team?
The Rapid Response Team is comprised of the following key local and state agencies:

• NH Employment Security
• NH Department of Health & Human Services
• NH Community Action Program
• Workforce Opportunity Council
• Community College System of NH

And many more!

Bobby Stephen
Director of Community Development Services
603-271-2341


Bobby Stephen has worked as Director of Community Services for the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development since July, 1999. The Division is one of four that comprise the Department of Resources and Economic Development, led by Commissioner George Bald.

Serving as an economic development and workforce liaison, Stephen coordinates efforts among chambers of commerce, hospitality groups, regional economic development organizations and other economic development groups for the purpose of improving communication and promoting economic prosperity throughout the state. In addition, Stephen heads up the state's Rapid Response effort, a program which assists both workers displaced by layoffs and businesses seeking alternatives to reductions in force.

Stephen came to the Division of Economic Development from the New Hampshire Job Training Council, where he served as deputy executive director. He served in the New Hampshire Senate from 1980 to 1990, rising to the rank of Assistant Minority Leader.

Stephen also maintains board membership on the Manchester Development Committee, Fund for Education, Jobs for NH's Graduates and the Fight to Educate. He resides in Manchester with his wife Shirley. Together, they have raised three sons.

Fran Allain
Employee Retention Project Manager
63-271-2341

Fran joined the Department of Resources and Economic Development in the new position of Layoff Aversion Project Manager. In that capacity, Fran will be working with New Hampshire-based businesses and business organizations to create awareness and address strategies aimed at averting layoffs.  Fran came to us after 10 years as Marketing Director in the mortgage industry and has extensive experience in the government sector of the high-tech industry. 

Fran earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of New Hampshire.  Her graduate work focused on industry issues, particularly the psycho-social effects of downsizing and layoffs.

Fran has been an adjunct faculty member of Franklin Pierce College and Granite State College (previously, the Center for Life Long Learning) and is currently on the faculty of Hesser College.  Her programs of focus are psychology and sociology.

Fran enjoys travel, writing and is a voracious reader.  Family is priority #1.