Belknap House welcomes Kate McIntire as new executive director

LACONIA — When Kate McIntire walks in a room, the energy shifts. It's palpable, exciting and welcoming, contagious, which makes her the perfect fit as Belknap House’s new executive director.

McIntire officially joined the Lakes Region community in October, at the county’s only family-centered shelter, and has hit the ground running by meeting fellow nonprofit leaders and locals, and buzzing with ideas.

“After working for the government or writing or managing grants, I decided to move on, because we used to collaborate with a lot of nonprofits, and I saw the fun and the mission behind the nonprofit” itself, she said Oct. 30, over a cup of coffee at the shelter. “I've always done the part. I just want to help the community.”

Her background is a hard work ethic mixed with a not-afraid-to-get-dirty mentality that’s easily noticed. On a personal level, she’s an activist, and keeps her children and husband actively engaged in her hometown. Having earned degrees around the world, McIntire can speak five languages: Albanian, English, French, Greek and Italian.

“I was a nerd. It was like, sports, school, home, and work. I have worked since I was 12 at my family's business; working two jobs ever since,” she said, adding she launched her own boutique at age 17, after winning a $12,000 prize. She closed that boutique just 10 years ago.

McIntire has legal experience, getting her law degree in Greece, and has worked in all aspects of human services in big cities and small towns.

She’s dug in her heels working on complex immigration issues with PK Law Group in Nashua, helping juveniles who crossed the U.S. border without parents, many of whom were abandoned, or victims of human trafficking. In some cases, she advocated against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, for bonds to obtain green cards for the minors.

“For me, I care about the person. It's a human rights problem, you know, it's not a political problem. It's just, we're all humans, and everybody deserves basic necessities and respect, due process and freedom of expression.”

McIntire has also worked with the Lynn Housing Authority, particularly around lead abatement, an area she’s extremely interested in expanding while here in Laconia.

Quite simply: She isn’t afraid to lend a helping hand for the good of the community, and has resources to do so. She regularly relies on her social media network to reach a larger audience, solicit volunteers and spread the word about her efforts.

“It's not focusing on what divides us. It's focusing on what unites us. And there's no democracy if not all the ideas are on the table,” McIntire said. “You need to have both sides in order to find common grounds, and eventually, the better the policies.”

While serving in her new role at Belknap House for a month, she has grown close with the small-but-mighty administrative team.

“We're a great team,” she said, adding she doesn’t mind her hour-long commute, since her coworkers are a pleasure with which to work.

Her lead-by-example and embracing attitude is a welcome addition to Belknap House. As a baker, she regularly expands the community feel of the living quarters with hands-on classes and potlucks. She wants to host a baklava class and Friendsgiving. Zumba could be a new option, along with yoga.

“One thing about Kate is she really embraces the term ‘family’ a lot, embraces this family environment at Belknap House with her actions,” said Susan O’Donnell, vice president of the Belknap House board. “She brings baked goods ... embraces that family environment.”

Additionally, McIntire already has applied for several grants, including one for lead abatement, and has ideas for sustainability initiatives for families transitioning through Belknap House support programs.

Other board members couldn’t be more excited about McIntire’s addition to the organization, especially given her zeal.

“Belknap House is thrilled to have Kate as our new executive director. She has a passion for our mission of helping families,” wrote Don House, board president emeritus, via email. “She has already provided recommendations on fundraising that we are pursuing. She has begun the process of introducing herself to community leaders and organizations that partner with Belknap House.”

Her energy is contagious.

“She has a lot of energy. She has more energy than anyone I’ve ever met. She barely keeps the seat warm,” O’Donnell said. “She arrived, and already hit the ground running. She has been out there meeting more people from the area proactively.”

Belknap House provides safe shelter to children and families, alongside educational programming and customized case management for parents. They operate as a 24/7 shelter, with staff available around the clock to ensure families' needs are met, and they adhere to the rules necessary for their success.

Former executive director Shawna Zechman announced her departure from the nonprofit last month.

“Leading this organization has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. Together, we have built a resilient team. I am deeply proud of what we have built together and the positive impact we continue to make for the people we serve,” Zechman wrote in a blog post Oct. 17. “Our board and leadership team are working closely to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of leadership. Kate McIntire has been hired as the new executive director and she will, no doubt, be successful in leading Belknap House going forward.”

Belknap House is in good hands with McIntire, and she’s fully supported by her board.

“I’m really excited for her vision and the future of Belknap House,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve had some wonderful executive directors, but I think this is a new opportunity, because she brings so many new ideas and different skills.”

For more information, belknaphouse.org.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.