County Conversations

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, N...

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 th...

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 consi...

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 Coun...

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. T...

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...

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 dis...

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...

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.   Jo...

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 w...

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)...