Portsmouth gun-violence commission elects new leadership as chair steps down

James Cullen was elected chair of the Portsmouth Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Commission on a voice vote after outgoing Chair Jalen Drury announced he will not seek another term.

Drury, who led the commission through its first full year since it was created in 2023, told members he joined the panel to center young people and those with lived experience of gun violence. "I will not be seeking another term as chairman of the commission because I believe that it's time for someone else to pick up the mantle," he said. He urged greater coordination among city agencies, saying promised support has only just begun to arrive and that delays have contributed to public frustration.

The commission followed Robert's Rules of Order procedures to open nominations. James Swenson nominated James Cullen, and the commission held a voice vote that produced unanimous "ayes," after which Chair Drury congratulated Cullen. Cullen told the panel he has been frustrated by slow progress and advocated an "emergency" approach to coordination across law enforcement, education and other city actors: "We need to be treating this as an emergency," he said.

Keith Rice nominated himself for vice chair and Sarah Ray seconded the nomination; Rice was elected by voice vote. Commissioners praised the new leadership and expressed optimism that the commission can move forward into 2026 with clearer direction.

The meeting also recorded routine business votes — approval of the October minutes and adoption of the current agenda — and closed with a motion to adjourn. The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1, at 6 p.m.

What happens next: commissioners said they will work to clarify the commission's role within broader city efforts and follow procurement steps to secure planned technical assistance.