George Bald, commissioner of the state’s Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), announced last week that he will retire from his post on Nov. 1.

Bald has served as commissioner for the agency for a total of 13 years. His first stint was from 1998 to 2004. Bald went on to serve as economic development head of the Pease Redevelopment Authority from 2004 to 2006, when he was again appointed DRED commissioner by Gov. John Lynch.

Bald has strong ties to the Seacoast. A Somersworth resident since the age of 5, Bald was elected mayor of the Hilltop City when he was 27. He served as mayor for six years and went on to become director of economic development for Rochester, and, later, city manager, according to Lorna Colquhoun, communications director for DRED.