SCHEDULE

The 2025 Annual Conference will feature a variety of expert speakers who will explored topical and practical subjects in plenary and educational sessions. This schedule is subject to change.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Great Hall

Registration

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Grand Ballroom Lobby, Presidential Ballroom, Presidential Foyer

Vendor Set-Up

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The Cave

Welcome Reception

sponsored by HealthDirect Pharmacy

(Buffet: soup, salad, sandwiches, cookies)

Join us for a special plenary session featuring past presidents of the New Hampshire Association of Counties and their stories, lessons learned, and pivotal moments from their time in county government. Led by current Association President, Rockingham Register of Deeds Cathy Stacey, this conversation will highlight the enduring value of the Association and its role in strengthening local leadership across the state. Discover how the past continues to shape the present and why the work of the counties is essential to all Granite Staters.

George Maglaras, Strafford County Commissioner & 2015 - 2017 Association Past President
Christopher Boothby, Past Belknap County Commissioner & 2003-2005 Association Past President

Mark Thurston, Past Belknap County Commissioner & 1997 - 1999 Association Past President
Moderated by Cathy Stacey, Rockingham Register of Deeds & Current Association President

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Jefferson

Educational Breakout Session 4: Building Stronger Teams Through Trust

Susan Loynd, Strategic HR Business Advisor, The Richards Group

Almost every team that has exceeded expectations point to trust as the glue that enabled greatness. The objective of this session is to understand the keys to building stronger teams through growing trust. All of us are on a team or multiple teams. Participants will leave this session with a framework of what makes teams more effective and ways to increase team strength, productivity, and trust. The session will be a mix of presentation, facilitation, large and small group discussion, and videos making it a productive, interactive and learning time for everyone!

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Reagan

Educational Breakout Session 5: I can’t self-care my way out of this. Moving beyond self-care to address workplace trauma exposure at the organizational level.

Cassie Gillespie LICSW, University of Vermont

Many professionals are exposed to stress, human suffering, and occupational trauma every day at work. The impact of this exposure can be significant. Nevertheless, many people who work in helping professions have not been supported to address workplace trauma exposure or have only been asked to address it at the individual level with self-care practices. This session will explore workplace trauma exposure and how we can think differently about addressing it at the team and organizational level through collective care practices.

Description coming soon!

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Dartmouth

Educational Breakout Session 6: What rookies walk into: the unspoken culture behind the badge

Anthony Gangi, Founder, Tier Talk

This course helps new correctional officers understand the unwritten rules of correctional culture, from silent observation to early moral tests. It teaches rookies how to earn trust, maintain presence, resist manipulation, and build a lasting professional identity—while guiding leadership on how to support, not smother, their development. Rookies learn that survival isn’t just physical—it’s cultural, mental, and moral.

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Dartmouth

Deeds Affiliate Meeting

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Jefferson

Superintendents Affiliate/Corrections Certification Board Meeting

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Reagan

Human Resources Affiliate Meeting

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Washington Board Room

Nursing Home Administrators Affiliate Meeting

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Presidential Ballroom & Presidential Foyer

Sponsor Networking Reception

sponsored by Westwood Pharmacy

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Jefferson

Educational Breakout Session 7: Building Resilience: Recognizing and Responding to Mental Health in the Workplace

Susan Loynd, Strategic HR Business Advisor, The Richards Group

Mental health challenges affect every workplace, and stigma and uncertainty often prevent staff and leaders from addressing them effectively. In this interactive training, participants will learn how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, respond with confidence in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and connect individuals with appropriate resources. By approaching mental health with compassion and practical strategies, county organizations can reduce stigma, strengthen resilience, and build a workplace culture where employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Reagan

Educational Breakout Session 8: Discipline and Discharge in 2025 and the Pitfalls to Avoid

Liz Bailey, Shareholder & Practice Group Coordinator, Sheehan Phinney
Jim Reidy, Co-Chair, Labor & Employment Group, Sheehan Phinney

Employers invest time and resources in attracting and retaining employees. Unfortunately, not every employee succeeds, and employers must address situations when discipline or discharge is needed. The law in this area has evolved significantly over the last 25 years, and with that, the risks of missteps have increased. This presentation will focus on legal issues related to discipline and discharge, as well as best practices to avoid or reduce the risk of claims. This program promises to be engaging and educational.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Dartmouth

Educational Breakout Session 9: Interpersonal Communication

Jeff Ladieu, Owner, Specialized Solutions Group

This presentation focuses on the role of interpersonal communication in creating a positive, productive work environment. Participants will explore key communication skills such as active listening, clear messaging, giving and receiving feedback, and navigating workplace dynamics. The goal is to enhance collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen professional relationships across all levels of the organization. We will also explore the principles and practices of effective communication in one-on-one and small group settings. Attendees will learn key skills such as verbal and nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building to improve personal and professional interactions.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Grand Ballroom

Educational Breakout Session 10: Community Resilience in New Hampshire: Addressing Housing, Opioid Settlements, and Grant-Funded Solutions at the County Level

Katy Easterly Martey, Executive Director, Community Development Finance Authority
Molly Donovan, Director of Economic Development, Community Development Finance Authority
James Boffetti, Deputy Attorney General, New Hampshire Department of Justice
moderated by Chris Coates County Administrator, Cheshire County

New Hampshire’s counties play a vital role in shaping local responses to pressing social and economic challenges. This session explores how county leaders and community partners are leveraging housing initiatives, opioid settlement funds, and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support sustainable, resilient communities. Participants will hear examples from across the state highlighting collaborative strategies, funding mechanisms, and policy innovations aimed at addressing the housing crisis, reducing substance use impacts, and maximizing grant opportunities. Join us to gain practical insights and connect with leaders driving positive change at the county level.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Grand Ballroom

Lunch & Keynote: Behavioral Analysis & Workplace Situational Awareness

sponsored by Amazon Business

(buffet: soup, salad, chicken pot pie, baked haddock, baked potatoes, beans)

Jeff Ladieu, Owner, Specialized Solutions Group

Understanding human behavior to promote safer, more effective work environments. This presentation explores how behavioral analysis, and situational awareness can be applied in the workplace to enhance safety, communication, and decision-making. Attendees will learn to recognize behavioral cues, assess potentially high-risk situations, and respond proactively to promote a more secure and productive environment. Emphasis is placed on observation skills, threat recognition, and understanding baseline behaviors in various workplace settings.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Dartmouth

Educational Breakout Session 11: NH Retirement System: Updates, Insights, and What Members Need to Know

Rick Fabrizio, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, New Hampshire Retirement System

Join the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) for an informative session designed to update active members and beneficiaries on the current state of the retirement system. This session will provide a clear overview of the system’s financial health, recent legislative changes, and updates to benefits, contribution rates, and administrative processes. Whether you’re nearing retirement or early in your career, this session will offer valuable information to help you better understand your benefits and prepare for the future. A Q&A period will follow the presentation to address member questions.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Jefferson

Educational Breakout Session 12: Natural Allies: How Conservation Districts Help New Hampshire Counties

Steve Scapicchio, President, NH Association of Conservation Districts

Kerry Rickrode, Manager, Hillsborough County Conservation District
Alena Warren, Manager, Rockingham County Conservation District
Benée Hershon, Manager, Cheshire County Conservation District
Lionel Chute, Manager, Sullivan County Conservation District

New Hampshire’s ten Conservation Districts have been serving every county for decades, helping to protect natural resources, support local agriculture, and strengthen community resilience. This presentation will highlight the rich history and proven value of Conservation Districts, showing how county investments directly benefit residents, farms, forests and working lands. A panel of District staff will share real-world success stories. Join us to see how supporting your Conservation District delivers lasting returns for your county.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Reagan

Educational Breakout Session 13: Harnessing Energy Efficiency Programs for your County

Marc Leménager, Supervisor, Energy Efficiency – Regulatory, Planning, and Evaluation, Eversource Energy

Charlie Niebling, Clean Energy Advocate and Advisor

Michael Davey, President, Energy Efficient Investments

Chase Penoyer, President, Resilient Buildings Group

Moderated by Jim Monahan, President, The Dupont Group

Join us for an engaging panel that breaks down the current energy landscape in New Hampshire, from this year’s legislative changes on RPS and net metering to recent decisions by the Public Utilities Commission. Hear from experts on what these developments mean for your community and how counties can turn energy efficiency programs into real savings and long-term value.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Washington Boardroom

Commissioners Council Meeting

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Conservatory

Cocktail Reception