CONCORD, N.H.- The Executive Council has unanimously confirmed retired judge and Marine veteran Geard Boyle of Campton as the new administrator of the Youth Development Center Settlement Fund which is tasked with compensating victims of physical and sexual abuse.

Councilor Janet Stevens R-Rye said she was initially skeptical that anyone could follow Justice John Broderick, who resigned this past July in protest after Gov.Ayotte signed a bill that changes the position from a judicial to a political appointment but said she’s confident in his ability to lead the next phase of the settlement process with integrity and fairness, and also noted that lawyers for most of the victims interviewed Boyle during two recent sessions.

Stevens wasn’t the only Councilor who commented on Boyle’s confirmation, as Councilor Karen Loit Hill D-Lebanon said that survivors of abuse at YDC and other state operated facilities have waited too long for justice.

Loit Hill also said she thinks Boyle understands both the seriousness of his responsibility and the need to move this work forward with care and urgency.

Boyle’s first day on the job is May 1st.