For the past 25 years, Lori Dossett has been in the midst of the multitude of changes that have occurred in Montgomery County.
However, at the end of the day today the executive administrative assistant to the county commissioners will step into retirement.
“I have enjoyed working in this county and working with all the wonderful people,” Dossett said. “When I think about all we have done, it is because of the good people.”
Dossett first worked for the county in 1979 as a 17-year-old new graduate from Southmont High School. Clerk Mary Eva Parks gave her the duties of collecting traffic fines in the office.
In 1980, her life changed again when she met Phil Dossett. The two married shortly thereafter and last year they celebrated their 45th anniversary.
City lawyers, Ray Kirtley and Bill Green, took her away from county government for a short time, then she later returned to work for the county clerk a second time.
In 1986, Dossett went to work for attorneys Don Schmidt and Patricia Sosbe until she left the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom for her two daughters, Brittany and Hannah.
In 2001, then county commissioner Cindy Edmiston called her friend and offered her a job to be the first-ever Montgomery County Commissioner secretary.
“I really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom but the job sounded like something I could do and still be around my family,” Dossett said. “Cindy said the job would be flexible and if I need to attend to something for my family, I would be able to work it out about making up my hours.”
Dossett’s duties at first were limited to secretarial duties and her office was in the old South Boulevard building. Little did she know how she would see many changes in Montgomery County and that her job would evolve into much more than she envisioned.
Dossett said one of the most satisfying things she has witnessed during her time working for county government is how the relationship between the City of Crawfordsville and county officials has improved.
“Seeing the city and county working together is great,” Dossett said. “When I started there was not a lot of cooperation or communication between the two. But, today, the city and county are working hand in hand to help the county grow.”
Commissioners credit Dossett for keeping things moving smoothly and recognized her by declaring today as Lori Dossett Day in the county.
“I have known Lori for many years since Phil and I worked together at the fire department,” Commissioner Jim Fulwider said. “She has done a marvelous job for many years and has kept us on track. She will be missed.”
Dossett thanked all of those she has worked with during her time with the county. She mentioned her long-time friend Marc Bonwell for being a good friend and co-worker since 2005
“I want to thank the commissioners, department heads and elected officials I have worked with,” Dossett said. “We have a team environment and that makes this place special.”
Dossett has been recognized for her accomplishments. In 2023 she was awarded the Indiana County Commissioners Executive Assistant of the Year in Indiana. In 2025, her fellow county employees chose her as the 2025 Montgomery County Employee of the Year.
“I have worked for 11 commissioners, many officeholders and county employees,” Dossett said. “I have enjoyed my job because of the many people I have worked with and am friends with now.”
“My hope for the county is that it continues to grow,” Dossett said. “We need more businesses, including more retail. I hope we build the housing throughout the county that is needed. Personally, I would like to see additional mental health facilities to help people get their lives together so they can become productive residents.”
Dossett will be celebrated with an open house today at the county government center.
