County Conversations

This episode features a conversation with Maureen O'Brien, President and CEO of the New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID). The episode features a celebration of NYSID's 50th anniversary, and focuses on how partnerships with counties and local governments across New York State are driving economic impact, enhancing community inclusion, and fostering a strong statewide workforce.

This Director's Cut episode features a conversation on celebrations planned for NYSAC's centennial year in 2025. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Benjamin Boykin II, Westchester County legislator and President of NYSAC to discuss upcoming events, historic research, and a vision of the past 100 years of service to counties. 

For our last episode of the year, NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three+one. This episode provides a financial outlook for county leaders, and a forecast for the year ahead in 2025.   

This Director's Cut episode features a conversation on emergency management during the Whitehouse fire in Ulster County. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger to discuss what the emergency response entailed and preparations for future emergencies.

This Director's Cut episode features a conversation on emergency management during the recent Jennings Creek wildfire. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus to discuss response strategies and what was involved in battling the wildfire and keeping residents safe.

This episode features a conversation on the evolving dynamics in hiring and workforce management. Joining NYSAC Intern Maya Rotman is Ian Coyle, Livingston County Administrator, and public management consultant. They discuss the importance of proactive engagement, effective communication, and strategic planning to attract and retain a skilled county workforce.

This episode highlights Operation Green Light, an initiative that shows support for our nation's veterans, raises awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocates for legislation that will strengthen counties' ability to support veterans. Joining NYSAC's Communications Manager Tom Oldfather NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario, as well as Michael Middaugh, Director of the Tioga County Veterans Service Agency and President of the NYS County Veterans Service Officers Association.

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz and Benjamin Boykin II, Westchester County Legislator and President of NYSAC. This conversation focuses on his path to county government leadership, planning for centennial celebrations in 2025, and what's in store for county advocacy in New York State over the year ahead.

This episode features a conversation on NYSAC's County Government Institute, a certification and education program for New York State's county officials. Through rigorous coursework and training, CGI equips county officials with the tools to govern effectively, engage in constructive civic discussions, and address local needs. Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Stephen Acquario, NYSAC Executive Director, and Jeanette Stanziano, Director of Education and Training.

This episode features a conversation on the Herkimer County Children's Center, a facility that will house a daycare, a children's mental health clinic, developmental pediatrics, space for nutrition education, and many other community-oriented services. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz for the conversation is Christina Cain, Herkimer County Public Health Director.

This episode features county officials from New York State and their experience learning and networking with the National Association of Counties (NACo). These county officials attended a conference earlier this summer in Tampa, where they were able to bring local concerns to a national level, participate in workshops on innovative topics, and connect with peers in county government from across the country.

This episode features a conversation on providing mental health services in a rural community. NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Sarah Nies, , Director of the Schoharie County Office of Community Services, and Co-Chair of CLMHD's Mental Health Committee.

This episode focuses on workforce development initiatives in Oswego County, including becoming the first county in the Northeastern United States to achieve the designation of a Work Ready Community. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Rachel Pierce, Director of Oswego County's Department of Workforce Development, as well as County Administrator Philip Church.

This episode features a conversation on NY's 529 College Savings Program. Joining NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario is Steve Tommasone from Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC the Program Manager for NY's 529. Many NY counties provide payroll deduction for employees to participate in this program. For more information on the program, visit www.nysaves.org

This episode features a conversation on efforts to advance county priorities coming up on the end of the state legislative session. You'll hear from Ryan Gregoire and Dave Lucas from NYSAC's Legislative team as they discuss NYSAC's legislative program and key concerns on the horizon.  

This episode features a conversation on NACo's Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee and considerations for county officials on this revolutionary technology. NYSAC's Deputy Mark LaVigne is joined by Matt Chase, NACo's Executive Director, Seamus Dowdall, NACo Associate Legislative Director, and Stephen Acquario, NYSAC's Executive Director.  They discuss practical applications, policy considerations, and preparations for the integration of generative artificial intelligence in county government operations.

Ghost employees, fake reimbursements, and check theft – oh my! This episode features a conversation on prevention against payroll fraud. Joining NYSAC's Director of Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas is Karen Webber, Partner at the Bonadio Group.

New York Counties are urgently calling for action to address the migrant crisis that continues to unfold at the southern border of the United States. Joining NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario to discuss their recent visit to the southern border are Daniel McCoy, Albany County Executive and President of NYSAC, along with Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Executive and President of the NYS County Executives' Association.

This episode features a conversation about how Chautauqua County is preparing for the upcoming total solar eclipse, from increased tourism to public safety considerations. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

This episode features a presentation from two local emergency service providers on the legislative initiative to Rescue EMS. We are grateful to Alanna Badgley, a paramedic, and President of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 20 union, and Steven Kroll, Chief of the Delmar/Bethlehem EMS and Legislative Chair of the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association. The presentation includes their personal experiences, challenges in local communities across New York State, and context for local leaders in the fight to Rescue EMS.

This episode features a conversation on what county officials need to know about GASB 96 lease standard implementation. NYSACs Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas Tim Doyle and Keeley Ann Hines from NYSAC's partner The Bonadio Group. They discuss what GASB 87 and 96 are, how they will affect financial reporting, and advice for the implementation and continuous monitoring of these standards. The Bonadio Group has compiled a Best Practices document, which you can find on their website.

This episode features a conversation about the innovative steps Erie County has taken to ensure mental health care reaches communities in need and is incorporated into first aid and disaster response. NYSAC's Legislative/Policy Coordinator Alex Regan is joined by Arica Rouse from Erie County's Office of Health Equity, as well as Sarah Bonk from the Erie County Department of Mental Health. They discuss what mental health first aid training entails, how to create accessible conversations around mental health, and how to implement trauma-informed care into county operations. You can find both the Office of Health Equity Newsletters and County Health Equity Report on Erie County's website.

This episode features a conversation with Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Executive and the new President of the New York State County Executives' Association. You'll hear about his background in local government, up and coming economic development in Orange County, and a vision for the year ahead in advocacy and partnership.

This episode features a conversation with Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive and President of NYSAC. This conversation focuses on his path to county government leadership, how his experience in the military and as a first responder continues to shape his public service, and what's in store for county advocacy in New York State over the year ahead.

At the start of the new year, our team has outlined key legislative priorities for New York's counties during the 2024 State Legislative Session. Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas provide this snapshot into the year ahead.

For our first episode of the new year, NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three + one. This episode provide a financial outlook for county leaders, and predictions on short-term interest rates and inflation as we start up in 2024.

This episode focuses on Erie County's recently reintroduced Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program (pronounced “shin”). This free resource and referral program aims to improve care coordination for infants, children, and youth from birth to 21 years old who have a serious or chronic medical, physical, behavioral, emotional, or developmental condition. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Evanna Ramos, Program Coordinator for Erie County's Office of Health Equity.

This episode features a snapshot from our legislative team on the county impact from the 2023 State Legislative Session. NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by NYSAC Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation.

This episode features a conversation on Cayuga County's DREAMS Project, a records management solution which stands for Digital Records Electronic Access Management System. This project aims to providing better value of services to the county and its taxpayers, as well as save money by implementing a sustainable, scalable, financially viable, and operationally efficient technological solution.   Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Sue Dwyer, Cayuga County Clerk, and Michael McNeill, Records Retention Administrator for Cayuga County.

This episode features a conversation on a top county legislative priority of ensuring EMS coverage and funding. Joining NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire for the conversation is Meg Kennedy, a member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives and NYSAC's Board of Directors, as well as PJ Keeler, Columbia County Treasurer and EMS Coordinator.

This episode focuses on a grant opportunity for municipalities and schools across New York that's designed to bring world-class healthy infrastructure to public spaces. MVP Health Care has extended its statewide partnership with National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to launch an additional $650,000 in grant funding to bring world-class healthy infrastructure to public spaces with Fitness Courts, along with consulting, funding, and community programming support.  Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz for the conversation is Trent Matthias, Director of the National Fitness Campaign.

This episode features a round-table discussion from our recent ABCs of Cybersecurity webinar that provides elected local leaders an understanding of what to prioritize and where to focus limited resources to protect residents and government systems against cyber threats. NYSAC's Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Justin DePalmo, Vice President, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and Dr. John Sahlin, Director of Cyber Solutions for GDIT Defense Division.

In New York State 8,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ donation, and 1,100 people have been waiting for 5 years or more.  This episode features a conversation on how counties and local municipalities can raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Aisha Tator, Executive Director at Donate Life New York State, as well as Amna Anwar, a fashion and beauty advice expert who is a recipient of a heart transplant.

This episode highlights National Public Health Week and the workforce and services local health departments provide to keep New York State communities healthy and safe. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director of the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO).

This episode features a briefing for county leaders on the status of the New York state executive budget,  items of concern for local governments, and opportunities for continued advocacy. NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario leads the briefing, and is accompanied by NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, and Deputy Director Mark LaVigne.

In this episode of County Conversations, we discuss one of the biggest issues facing counties in this year's budget - the governor's proposal to shift $625 million in Medicaid costs onto counties by ending the sharing of federal eFMAP payments. For more information, be sure to visit CostShiftCountdown.com Joining NYSAC's Communications Manager Tom Oldfather for the conversation is NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire.

This episode analyzes a proposal in Governor Hochul's recently released 2024 Executive Budget that would end the longstanding practice of sharing federal Medicaid funding with counties. This unprecedented state policy shift would require local taxpayers to pay up to $1 billion in new Medicaid costs by pocketing Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Program (eFMAP) funds that were earmarked to go directly to local governments to help hold property taxes down. NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by our very own Dave Lucas, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs to break down the situation and provide a clear explanation of why NYSAC is urging Governor Hochul to reconsider this proposal. 

This episode features a conversation with Assemblyman Fred Thiele, who represents the 1st assembly district and also serves as the Chairman of the Assembly Local Governments Committee. NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Assemblyman Thiele discuss what's in store for the 2023 legislative session and SFY 24 state budget, as well as fostering relationships with newly elected legislators and his history in local government. Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, PERMA.

In this episode,  NYSAC Counsel Patrick Cummings talks with Patricia Warth, Director of the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services about the county role in ensuring every New Yorker has an adequate legal defense. They also discuss one of NYSAC's top priorities for 2023 Legislative Session – securing state funding for any increase in hourly pay rates for 18-b indigent defense attorneys. Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, AssuredPartners

For our first episode of the new year, NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three + one. This episode provide a financial outlook for county leaders, and predictions on short-term interest rates and inflation as we head into 2023. Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, NY MuniTrust

This episode features a panel discussion from a recent webinar NYSAC hosted on “How to Modernize Your County's Annual Budget Process,” by increasing the efficiency of collecting requests, creating budgets, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. This webinar provided an opportunity to introduce our new strategic partner ClearGov and its powerful, easy-to-use Budget Cycle Management suite. Rob Battaglia, Senior New York Market Development Executive, at ClearGov leads the panel discussion with Orange County Budget Director Deborah Slesinski and Orange County Deputy Budget Director Gretchen Riordan.

This episode features a conversation on Saratoga County's EMT Career Pathway Pilot Program. Designed as a first step in filling a need for future and current first responders, the program is a community-based collaboration for high school students.  NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Jenniffer McCloskey, Director of Saratoga County's Employment and Training Department. Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, PERMA.

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz and Michael Zurlo, Clinton County Administrator and President of NYSAC. We'll hear about his path to county government leadership, the unique community of Clinton County in New York's north country, and what's in store for his presidential term at the Association.

As we're coming up to the end of the year, this episode features a recap of county advocacy and achievements over the span of 2022, and what's on the horizon heading into 2023. NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire joins Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss outcomes from federal and state elections, key outcomes from this past legislative session, and NYSAC's top priorities for continued advocacy.

We have so much to be thankful for at NYSAC, especially our membership of dedicated county officials across the state of New York. This episode features some familiar voices from our staff, as we detail what we are each grateful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving to the county family, and best wishes throughout this holiday season.

Last week voters passed the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Bond Act. The bond act will fund flood reduction, wastewater and stormwater upgrades, park preservation, and green infrastructure and renewable energy projects to fight climate change. In light of this historic investment, we've revisited a conversation held earlier this year with NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz and Jessica Ottney Mahar, Director of Policy & Strategy at The Nature Conservancy to dive into details about the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act. Our thanks go to NYSAC's sponsor, the New York Power Authority.

This episode features a conversation on fraud identification and scam prevention. Joining NYSAC's Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is Jen Martin, Head of Enterprise Fraud Services at KeyBank. Jen gives an overview of new forms of financial fraud county leaders should be aware of, and she provides tips for county and financial services leaders in the challenging task of protection.

This episode highlights Operation Green Light, an initiative that raises awareness for the challenges faced by veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is NYSAC's Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, and Rachel Mackey, the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Director for Human Services and Education, as well as Liaison to the Veterans and Military Services Committee.

This episode features a conversation on how Otsego County leverages financial data provided by three+one to manage liquidity and investments, increase revenue, and make decisions in the best interest of public funds. NYSAC's Deputy Director Mark LaVigne introduces Garrett Macdonald, Senior Vice President of three+one, and Allen Ruffles, Treasurer and CFO of Otsego County.

This episode features a conversation with the Chair of NYSAC's Climate Action Standing Committee on advocacy and climate change mitigation efforts at the state and local level. Heather Brown, Sullivan County Deputy Planning Commissioner, joins NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz to discuss the Resilient New York Revolving Loan Program, The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, and Extended Producer Responsibility. For more information on the resolution passed by the Climate Action Standing Committee, visit nysac.org/resolutions

To raise awareness and help counties learn from the cyber attack in Suffolk County, NYSAC recently convened a briefing for more than 100 county officials from across the state. This episode features presentations from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, and Lisa Black, Chief Deputy County Executive and Unified Commander of Suffolk County's Cyber Response Team, as they discuss a timeline of events and how the county is continuing its operations. NYSAC is committed to raising awareness and providing resources on cybersecurity, which you can find on our website at nysac.org/cyber