County Administrator Deb Shackett to retire, effective Jan. 31

After 34 years working in municipal offices, County Administrator Deb Shackett will be retiring, with plans to play a little golf, travel, and spend time with family, including her 2-month-old grandson.

“I think it is just time to move on,” Shackett said on Friday afternoon. “I can spend some time with family and friends; I’ve got some books to read and traveling to do. I don’t really have anything specific planned.”

In a message dated July 21 to the county commissioners, Shackett wrote, “after careful thought and reflection,” she was formally announcing her resignation from the county administrator and human resources director roles.

“Serving the people of Belknap County over the past 17 years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Shackett wrote in the letter. “I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together — enhancing public services, strengthening our county’s infrastructure, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

She told the commissioners it has been a privilege to work alongside “such dedicated county staff, elected officials, and community partners.”

“I am especially grateful to the Board of Commissioners for your ongoing support, guidance, and trust,” Shackett wrote. “Together, we have navigated both challenges and opportunities with a shared commitment to the well-being of our residents.”

Shackett said it is not an easy decision to step away from a role that meant so much to her, but she feels it is time to start the next chapter of her personal life.

She took a long vacation cruise last year, where she was able to travel to countries like Italy, Spain, France and Croatia. It dawned on her she needed more of that in her life.

“Seeing the rest of the world was really so cool,” Shackett said. “I might not be able to do fancy cruises all the time, but there are less expensive ways to travel. It really just made me start thinking.”

Another factor was that her daughter was having trouble finding steady day care for her infant son, and Shackett is excited to be able to help her out and get some quality grandmother time in.

Shackett also has plans to enjoy the outdoors and hit the links on the golf course.

“Maybe I will actually be able to improve my golf game,” Shackett said with a laugh.

Shackett started her career in Bristol as the part-time bookkeeper, and worked her way up to the town administrator role. She then moved on to Gilford, where she was the town’s finance director, and for a short time the interim town administrator. In 2008, Shackett was hired as the Belknap County administrator and finance officer.

“I am sure I will miss getting up in the morning and coming here,” Shackett said. “I’ve loved working here, and my work relationships with department heads and employees, and the commissioners, has been great.”

What she won’t miss, she said, is that everything has become very political.

“It is hard to make decisions without partisan politics being involved,” Shackett said.

While the climate has improved in the county offices in recent years, notably the relationship with elected officials and department heads, she recalled it was not always an easy endeavor leading the county.

“There were times and eras when things felt bad, when things were very personal and that was the worst,” Shackett said. “It’s not like that anymore.”

Shackett, who is the county’s human resources director as well, said she will not be involved in the hiring and interview process for her replacement. Instead, the commissioners have engaged Municipal Resources, Inc. for a national recruitment effort, where they will “fully vet and find an excellent replacement.

Shackett will be ensuring a smooth transition and told the commissioners she is available to assist in any way necessary. Her last day is Jan. 31, 2026.