Meet new County Administrator Carina Park

LACONIA — Belknap County’s new administrator brings almost 20 years in municipal experience to the table, and she’s ready to hit the ground running.

Carina Park has, for the last four years, served the Town of Lincoln as manager. Before that, Park was town administrator in Campton, for about seven years and yet before that, she worked in human resources in Waterville Valley.

A resident of Plymouth, and holder of a master’s degree in human resources, Park will step into leadership in Belknap County at the end of January — right in the middle of the budget process.

“I’m honored to accept the role of Belknap County administrator and thankful for the confidence the county commissioners have shown in me,” Park said in a release. “I look forward to working closely with elected officials, department heads, and staff to ensure the county continues to operate efficiently and serve its residents.”

She’s set to replace Debra Shackett as county administrator. Shackett is retiring after nearly 20 years on the job and a professional lifetime serving various communities in the Lakes Region. The staffing change is effective Tuesday, Jan. 20.

“Carina Park brings a strong background in public service and a collaborative leadership style that will serve Belknap County well,” Peter Spanos, county commission chair, said in a press release. “Her experience and professionalism will be instrumental as the county continues to focus on responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and effective service delivery.”

Park’s extensive experience in public administration, organizational leadership and fiscal management are qualities county leaders pointed to in selecting her as their choice to lead its day-to-day operations.

She saw the county’s job ad through the New Hampshire Municipal Association — she happened to be putting one up for a job in Lincoln — and decided to take a crack at it.

“I’m very excited, it’s definitely a challenge I’m ready to take on,” Park said.

“I felt like I was ready to try something new.”

She’ll be responsible for overseeing operations, implementing policies established by county commissioners. Park will also manage the county departments and act as its director of human resources, supporting the efficient delivery of services to the roughly 65,300 residents of Belknap County. 

She said she’ll approach the job in a similar way to how she always has her duties: forward-facing, emphasizing the importance of clear communication between herself, staff and the public, and building relationships with all parties. It’s an important role for a county administrator, who needs to translate policy prescriptions and budget stipulations into daily operations.

“My job right now is to kind of bridge that gap,” she said. “I’m used to kind of navigating these waters.”

But there will be a learning curve. She’s working through relevant state law ahead of assuming the position. Statues pertinent to county operations are different from those which define the responsibilities of other municipal employees.

“Learning a whole brand-new set of rules,” she said.

Drawing on her municipal experience, working with a wide range of stakeholders and interests, will assist her in executing the job, she said.

“I understand the difference between private and public matters,” she said, describing herself as skilled at looking at the whole picture to find middle ground. “I think that will serve me at the county level.”

In the immediate term, Park looks forward to learning as much as possible about Belknap County’s budget process.

“I’m going to listen and learn a lot.”

The county provides a wide range of services including corrections, nursing home care, sheriff’s office service, county administration, county attorney’s services, and those of the registry of deeds. The county administrator is paramount in coordinating these services and ensuring compliance with state law and county policy.

In selecting Park, commissioners noted she’s known for a commitment to transparency, efficiency and working constructively with elected leaders, staff and community partners.

“With 17 years in municipal government, I have dedicated my career to serving communities. I’m eager to bring my experience to Belknap County and to support the commissioners in advancing the county’s long-term objectives.” Park said.