Dear Friends,

I wanted to share with you the news that Sandy Brackett will be retiring from the Boys & Girls Club in June. I’m sharing the official announcement below the line.

We are so fortunate that Sandy will be helping with the transition to a new generation of leadership in the months to come. She has done so much for our Club, and we’re all going to miss her tremendously.

We will keep you posted on any plans for an official send-off!

Sincerely,
Erin Talcott
BGC North Country Development Associate

The Boys & Girls Club of the North Country’s Executive Director, Sandy Brackett, will be retiring in June, after four years of tireless service to local youth preceded by a career in the health and fitness industry.

In the announcement, board member Jeff Woodward stated: “When we hired Sandy, we knew working with youth in our communities was her dream job, but we also knew she was approaching the retirement stage in her career. Sandy has been a great leader- making major improvements to the safety and infrastructure of the Club.”

Brackett oversaw a number of major milestones for the organization, including recovery from the pandemic, record enrollment, the licensing of their commercial kitchen, and a merger. Most recently, she secured licensure from the NH Child Care Licensing Bureau, an essential step in the upcoming establishment of an onsite early learning center made possible by a federal grant of $1.9 million dollars.

“I feel a sense of gratitude and accomplishment having worked the last four years for a supportive board of directors, who allowed me to take the Club to the next level of safety, policy making, membership requirements, and state licensing,” Brackett stated. “My career has been deeply rooted in management and leadership over the last fifty years, but nothing has compared to the pride and purpose I have felt working at a Boys & Girls Club.”

According to colleague Abigail Gagnon, Sandy’s attention always was focused on Club kids, with whom she interacted every day and for whom she was a passionate advocate, whether raising extra funds for swimming lessons, personally overseeing the gardening program, or creating an environment where every child felt valued.

“For Sandy it’s not just about the big moments; it’s the little things that make a world of difference. Whether she’s remembering a child’s favorite game or offering a comforting word when they need it most, Sandy ensures that no detail goes unnoticed. I am forever grateful for the warmth she has brought to our Club community,” Gagnon stated.

As the Club prepares for the next chapter, a strong team is in place. Gagnon has been promoted to branch director, responsible for day-to-day operations. Development Associate Erin Talcott will continue to shore up community support through events and fundraisers. Melanie Smith will serve as the North Country area manager, overseeing the new child care center as well as the after-school program. Smith brings invaluable experience as a licensing coordinator with the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

Sandy’s effective management and mentoring skills prepared the Club to thrive upon her departure, Woodward affirmed. “She will be missed, but she has built a strong team. We are confident that because of her leadership, the Club will continue to flourish. We wish Sandy the best and thank her for her dedication to the families and kids who rely on the Boys & Girls Club of the North Country.”