Stella B. Hackel holds a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law and a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont. She began her career in public service as a city court prosecutor in Rutland, Vermont, before serving as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Employment Security. Hackel later transitioned to the federal level, where she managed the United States Mint and was instrumental in the creation of the Susan B. Anthony dollar.

Stella B. Hackel's political identity is marked by a blend of traditional public service with bold, sometimes controversial decisions, particularly in her role overseeing the United States Mint. Her tenure saw the creation of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, yet it was marred by the destruction of Mint records in 1978, raising questions about her approach to historical preservation versus operational efficiency. Hackel's career also reveals a penchant for unexpected policy stances, as seen in her calculated approach to environmental regulations that align with regional industrial interests.