Shackett leaves lasting legacy in Belknap County

Debra Shackett has just about seen it all in Belknap County over 34 years, from leading the business office as county administrator for 17 years to other service, and she's ready to hang up her cleats.

Whether it was assisting the nursing home through the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with contentious state representatives and commissioners, or handling the day-to-day functions of the county, she was the staffer leading the charge.

“Thinking back over the years, I’m struck by how much has changed — mostly for the better, though naturally there have been some challenges along the way,” Shackett said. “Many people have asked me why I stuck it out during the tumultuous years. The difficult personalities I encountered back then were not here very often. My daily work with the department heads and commissioners was always the best part.”

Elected leaders, as well as those she worked with in the county complex, shared how important she has been for Belknap County.

“I have worked with her on both sides of the counter, and she is highly professional and been a pleasure to work with,” said Commission Chair Peter Spanos, who also served three terms as a state representative part of the Belknap County Delegation.

Spanos said a crowning achievement was getting through the pandemic and properly distributing and managing American Rescue Plan Act funds. Shackett also helped navigate through “difficult financial waters” regarding Gunstock Mountain Resort several years back. Spanos called her a “very skilled union negotiator.

“She is highly competent and has been a joy to work with.”

Belknap County Nursing Home Administrator Shelley Richardson has spent 20 years in Belknap, starting as a nurse and working her way up. She said Shackett has been a “huge part” of helping her feel comfortable in her position, and Shackett was vital working through the many budget seasons, commission meetings, and slide presentations.

Richardson echoed Spanos' sentiments, saying getting through the pandemic and distributing federal funding was a feat in itself. She said Shackett took on a world of issues, “from finances to personalities.

“I’m going to miss her so much,” Richardson said. “For me, she was a phone call away, or just a few steps through the parking lot to her office.”

Facilities Director Jon Bossey has worked at the county complex since November 2022, when Shackett hired him. He also spoke of federal fund distribution, and said there were plenty of projects they completed together.

These include masonry repairs and restoration work at the courthouse, as well as electrical work and basement renovations. Skylights at the nursing home were repaired when leaks were detected. Air conditioning was installed at the jail, and Bossey said flooring was replaced at the nursing home. Windows were also replaced throughout the county complex to help with energy efficiency, and the dispatch center in the sheriff’s office and the nursing home were both renovated, as well.

“These are just a few,” Bossey said. “There is quite a list of improvements.”

Shackett said on the infrastructure side, a “great deal” was accomplished since she was hired in 2008. This included renovating the administrative wing of the county complex, creating public meeting rooms, and replacing the courthouse roof using federal funding.

“Later, we planned and built the Community Corrections Center,” Shackett said. “More recently we transformed the courthouse basement from dirt floors into modern office space, replaced windows, and upgraded the façade of the county complex with federal ARPA funds. Each of these projects improved the work environment for employees and the quality of service for residents.”

Bossey said he has worked with Shackett on prioritizing projects, and said she was vital in the budget preparation.

“There are big shoes to fill,” Bossey said. “It has been great working with her.”

Finance Director Lori Sharp said working with Shackett has provided her with “a tremendous opportunity for personal growth.

“She gave me a front row seat to how local government works,” Sharp said. “I have learned from watching her lead, both in steady times and during challenges. Her steadfast leadership and deep knowledge have made a lasting impact on me. I am grateful for the time we have shared.”

Administrative Assistant Kelly McNulty started working at the county complex at the end of June, and while it has been brief, she has been impressed by Shackett’s wealth of knowledge.

“She has made it a smooth transition for me,” McNulty said. “Deb is always there and willing to help. We have a great partnership.”

Belknap County Register of Deeds Laura Lapointe said she has “greatly appreciated her helpfulness and leadership.”

Shackett said the county has evolved well organizationally since her start, when she was hired as the county administrator and finance officer. It quickly became clear the job required more than a “jack of all trades,” and the county hired a finance director and human resources director. Having a management team in place allowed them to upgrade the accounting system, implement countywide personnel policies, and formalize procedures to improve financial reporting and employment practices.

However, there was later a challenging period where she said elected leaders became more focused on how things appeared on camera, and employees reacted on how they felt the delegation would respond, rather than what the organization needed.

This resulted in many maintenance and operational issues left unresolved, Shackett explained. During that period, the finance director, HR director, administrative assistant, and accountant left “in quick succession.” While the county restored the finance director position, it is her hope the future leadership makes it a priority to bring back an HR director.

Shackett said there may always be tension between the county delegation and commissioners, but added their interests should be aligned. She thinks taxpayers are best served when elected officials “set aside partisan allegiance and political aspirations to focus on providing essential services efficiently and effectively.

“I feel this is the right time to step away,” Shackett said. “The county has an excellent management team in place, and the board of commissioners is supportive, conservative, and engaged, without micromanaging. The organization feels stable and well-positioned for new leadership. I leave with confidence that the county’s future is in good hands.”