The state treasurer is leaving her job at the end of the month for a top financial position at the University System of New Hampshire.<br /><br />“During her tenure as treasurer, Catherine Provencher has helped New Hampshire weather some of the most difficult economic challenges that our state has faced in generations while maintaining our focus on fiscal responsibility and long-term financial health,” Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a statement.<br /><br />Provencher’s last day is March 28. The state treasurer is elected every two years by the Legislature, but Hassan will appoint and the Executive Council will approve a temporary commissioner of the state Treasury to take Provencher’s place. Elections by the Legislature usually happen every December, and the law is unclear about whether an early election could be held.<br /><br />Provencher began serving as treasurer in 2007. Her office is in charge of cash and debt management and presides over the unclaimed or abandoned property division.<br /><br />During her time in office, Provencher said she’s most proud of maintaining the state’s credit rating throughout the financial crisis and of working through a new accounting system in 2009. She also applauded the many people who work in the Treasury department for their hard work in these areas.<br /><br />“At the end of the day, it’s all those that work with me at treasury that support all those efforts, and I think we’ve been very successful in just building a real strong reputation of credibility and integrity,” she said.<br /><br />At the university system, Provencher will serve as treasurer and vice chancellor for financial affairs.