Only one applicant for Carroll County Attorney

Keith Blair, the deputy Carroll County Attorney, likely will be appointed interim county attorney

Deputy Carroll County Attorney Keith Blair is the only applicant for the county attorney position that opened up when his former boss, Michaela Andruzzi, resigned last month. Andruzzi (D-Wolfeboro), who was in the middle of her fourth two-year term was first elected in 2016. Her resignation was announced by the Carroll County commissioners on Sept. 7. Andruzzi left to become the city of Concord’s chief prosecutor.

The county delegation of state representatives, gave applicants until Sept. 29 to apply for the county attorney job.

Last Friday after the close of the application period, Carroll County Executive Coordinator Mellissa Seamans told the Sun “just Keith” had applied. Seamans said that the delegation is set to meet next Monday, Oct. 9, to appoint the new county attorney.

In his letter of interest, Blair, of Wolfeboro, said Andruzzi trained him for the past two years to take over the office if need be. “I am fully capable of stepping into the role of county attorney with a minimal impact on the functionality of the office,” said Blair.

The appointed replacement, likely to be Blair, will serve until January 2025. The seat is up for election in November of 2024. Blair plans to run.

Andruzzi oversaw a deputy attorney, three felony level prosecutor and a domestic violence prosecutor and support staff. She recommended Blair as her replacement. She appointed him deputy in 2021.

“He is well versed in the running of the office and in the responsibilities incumbent on the county attorney,” said Andruzzi. “He is trusted within the office and among law enforcement community. I’ve taken the liberty of delegating my authority to him beginning on the day of my anticipated departure and to give the delegation time to … appoint a successor.”

Blair, 44, is married with three children. He attended the UNH School of Law and graduated in 2016.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Blair also worked at the Strafford County Attorney’s Office from 2016-17. He spent stints clerking at the Merrimack County Superior Court and Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office as well as being a congressional intern for Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.).

He also served as an Army intelligence collector from 2004-09 based in Fort Bragg, N.C., and taught an Army human intelligence course in Fort Huachuca, Ariz., from 2009-13.

On Monday, Blair said he is excited about the opportunity. “I am appreciative of Michaela’s recommendation and support. … I will do everything I can to provide leadership to our team here and continue to build relationships in our law enforcement community.

“While I have been preparing for today after Michaela announced her resignation, it is still a little hard to believe that day is here,” he said.

The Carroll County Attorney is currently paid $102,000 a year, and the salary increases to $104,000 in 2024.

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