Debra Shackett honored for two decades of service to Belknap

LACONIA — The Belknap County Delegation honored County Administrator Debra Shackett and thanked her for nearly two decades leading her department, and more than 30 years of public service, during their meeting on Tuesday night.  

Hired in 2008, Shackett informed county commissioners in July of her intention to retire. Her last day at 34 County Drive is Jan. 31. 

Following the presentation of the county commissioners' budget recommendations to the county delegation Tuesday night, Chair Rep. Harry Bean (R-Gilford) announced he had a presentation to make. Calling Shackett up before the group, Bean thanked her for her service and handed her a large plaque cut to the shape of the State of New Hampshire.

“On behalf of the 2025-26 delegation of the Belknap County state representatives, I am honored to present retiring Belknap County Administrator Debra Shackett with this token of appreciation for your 18 years — nine terms — of dedicated service to our county,” Bean said. 

“Thank you,” Shackett replied. 

Shackett received a round of applause from the representatives present at the meeting, who stood from their seats in a nod of respect.

Other representatives present were Glen Aldrich (R-Gilford), Steven Bogert (R-Laconia), Mike Bordes (R-Laconia), Russell Dumais (R-Gilford), Sheri Minor (R-Laconia), Tom Ploszaj (R-Center Harbor), Charlie St. Clair (D-Laconia), Doug Trottier (R-Belmont), Barbara Comtois (R-Barnstead), Paul Terry (R-Alton) and David Nagel (R-Gilmanton). Matt Coker (R-Meredith) and Lisa Freeman (R-Tilton) attended via videoconference.

The Belknap delegation is made up of its representatives to the Statehouse.

“You can still change your mind, too,” St. Clair said with a laugh. 

Shackett spent much of her adult life in service to the public. Her career began in Bristol as a bookkeeper, where she worked part-time, and eventually became that town’s administrator. She moved on to Gilford, where she served as finance director and, for a short period, as their interim town administrator. In 2008, Shackett came aboard at Belknap County, where she remained ever since. 

In a Sept. 12 interview, Shackett told The Laconia Daily Sun she plans to play a little golf, travel, read and spend time with her family. 

“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 her letter to Commissioners Peter Spanos, Glen Waring and Stephen Hodges. “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.”