Municipal Spotlight Remembering Beth Cornell-Smith’s Dedication

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Staff Writer

Beth Cornell-Smith, who suddenly passed away on December 17th at the age of 66, moved to  Bellingham from New York in 1993 and eventually worked in a variety of roles for the town.

Cornell-Smith began her municipal career in the accounting and finance department, but she was best-known for her 15 years as Bellingham’s Human Resource Director. On two separation occasions, she was asked to become acting Town Administrator and acting Senior Center Director. She fulfilled both of those tasks while continuing in her demanding role as Human Resource Director.

Four well-known Bellingham residents who worked with Cornell-Smith offer their thoughts on this tireless, hard-working employee who served the town diligently and will be greatly missed:

Michael Connor, Bellingham High’s Athletic Director who has directed Bellingham’s youth baseball program, greatly admired the way Cornell-Smith handled her role as Human Resource Director.

“I certainly came to appreciate her contributions to the success of Bellingham over my 15 years (2009-2024) as a member of the Select Board,’’ he said. “Beth’s duties as Human Resource Director ran the gamut of recruiter, compliance officer, compensation and performance management, benefits and policy management, negotiator, day-to-day problem-solver, and the list goes on.’’  

Connor got to know Cornell-Smith, who filled in effectively when Denis Fraine became ill.

“I saw Beth as a quiet attendee at our meetings, but as the years progressed, we became trusted friends,’’ he noted. “It was abundantly clear that she was a valued confidante to our Town Administrator, and during his extended absence she rose to the challenge and accepted the dual role of interim Town Administrator and H.R. Director — a situation that she never received the recognition that she deserved.” 

Connor explained that Cornell-Smith’s office, adorned with photos of her grandkids, trinkets, and an affinity for Snoopy, gave one a glimpse of her personality.

“Charles Schultz would describe Snoopy as humorous, independent, and a free spirit with alter egos. Where Charlie Brown longs for success and acceptance, Snoopy lived confidently which I think Beth did as well … we can learn a lot from Snoopy!” said Connor, adding, “You never really know someone until you have to walk in their shoes, and Beth leaves big shoes to fill. I will miss our conversations, the town will miss her knowledge, and I will miss a friend.’’ 

40-year Bellingham resident Don Martinis, in his 11th year as a Select Board member, was Chair of the Select Board when Cornell-Smith was unanimously appointed to temporarily replace Fraine when he became ill and was hospitalized. He explained, “Beth was the logical choice to take over for Denis,’’ Martinis said. “It was a crucial time for the town because we needed to hire a new police and fire chief. Negotiations had to take place, and we were preparing for the annual town meeting. She had worked day-to-day with Denis and was the most qualified to fill in. I recommended her because she had her fingers on the pulse of the town.’’

Martinis praised Cornell-Smith, “She was devoted to Bellingham, and she wanted productive outcomes for all departments. She was honest and trustworthy in her roles and as a person. I enjoyed interacting with her, because she was diligent, hard-working and persevering and put others’ needs ahead of her own.’’

Martinis and Cornell-Smith also shared a common bond. “We both had twin grandsons,’’ he said. 

Kay Page, a 60-year Bellingham resident who’s volunteered at the senior center for 13 years and currently serves as the Chairman of the Council on Aging, complimented Cornell-Smith’s “smooth” seven months as the acting senior center director.

“For all of us at the senior center, her style and demeanor were perfect for that stretch in 2017,’’ Page said. “She emphasized that she would not disrupt or change things. She told the members of the Council on Aging (COA) and the Bellingham Elder Service Group (BESG) to keep doing what we do.

“We never had any problems,’’ Page offered. “She seemed comfortable with the way activities were conducted and managed.’’

Page noted that Cornell-Smith assumed the senior center position while continuing to perform her duties as the town’s Human Resource Director. “She usually would be in the building three times a week and often said that she was on board to help and that she was always available if needed,’’ Page recalled.

Denis Fraine, Bellingham’s Town Administrator for 38 years whose illness created the Town Administrator vacancy for most of 2023, noted how effective Cornell-Smith was at balancing her job as Human Resource Director while working as the acting Town Administrator. He admired Connell-Smith’s team-first approach and her passion for positive outcomes.

“During her 25-year career with Bellingham, Beth took advantage of every opportunity she was presented, eventually earning the appointment as Bellingham’s first Human Resources Director in 2010,’’ Fraine said. “Beth was someone who was always ready to accept any role or responsibility without question or hesitation; she was someone I could trust and count on to always give 100 percent.

“Always ready to take on extra duties to help out during a crisis, there wasn’t a role or office she didn’t assist at one time or another. Beth was one of a kind and someone who literally gave her last breath to the town she lived and worked in for three decades.’’