County Conversations

This episode features a conversation highlighting the work of NAMI New York State and the importance of connection, advocacy, and local partnerships in promoting mental health awareness. NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by James Norton from NAMI New York State to discuss peer support programs, stigma-free workplaces, advocacy efforts, and how counties can strengthen mental health resources in their communities.

This episode features a conversation on New York State Parks, featuring public spaces that enhance recreation, strengthen communities, and celebrate New York’s history. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. They discuss New York’s state parks and historic sites, the growing role of parks in tourism and economic development, and the state’s preparations for America’s 250th anniversary. This episode also highlights county partnerships and how New York is expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

This episode features a conversation on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and recent federal changes including reductions in administrative funding, as well as tightened work requirements. The conversation focuses on how these changes to the program will affect how counties are able to effectively administer this program Dave Lucas, NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs is joined by Kira Pospesel, Commissioner of the Greene County Department of Social Services, as well as Paul Brady, Executive Director of the New York Public Welfare Association. 

This episode of NYSAC's County Conversations Podcast features a conversation about the role of a county Administrator. Joining NYSAC's Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is Green County Administrator Shaun Groden.

This episode features members of NYSAC’s legislative team discussing the latest developments in New York State’s budget negotiations. NYSAC's Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Dave Lucas and Alex Regan for a conversation on key budget negotiations impacting county governments across New York, including rising pension costs, potential Tier 6 reforms, and major federal and state cost shifts affecting local budgets. The team also highlights proposals aimed at easing fiscal pressure, supporting infrastructure, and strengthening the county workforce. For more analysis and resources, visit NYSAC.org/budget and stay engaged as budget discussions continue.

This episode features a conversation with Priority Power’s Vice President Aleks Urosevic to discuss the trends affecting electricity and natural gas markets. Joined by Mark LaVigne, they also discuss how MEGA helps counties, municipalities, and school districts secure competitive energy pricing.

This episode features a conversation on the priorities shaping this year’s state legislative session and budget negotiations. Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz are members of NYSAC’s Legislative Team: Alex Regan, Legislative Director, and Dave Lucas, Director of Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs. They highlight both the investments counties support, and the areas where reforms are urgently needed to ensure a fair and sustainable state-local partnership. To learn more about NYSAC’s priorities for the year, visit nysac.org/legislativepriorities and for the latest news about the ongoing state budget negotiations visit nysac.org/budget

In this episode, NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Omar Usmani, CEO of Aeon Nexus. They discuss how counties and local governments can modernize justice systems through improved case management, workflow automation, and secure technology platforms. The conversation explores ways counties can increase efficiency, improve transparency, and better serve their communities. Aeon Nexus is an Excelsior Partner of the New York State Association of Counties

In this special joint episode of NYSAC's County Conversations and NYAOT’s Talk of the Town, the three executive directors of New York’s statewide municipal associations come together to discuss the collective and individual issues the associations and municipal membership are most concerned about. Mark LaVigne, Deputy Director of the New York State Association of Counties, is joined by Stephen Acquario (NYSAC), Barb Van Epps (New York Conference of Mayors), and Chris Koetzle (New York Association of Towns). Counties, cities, towns and villages are all facing similar challenges for 2026. This episode highlights the essential, bipartisan role local governments play in delivering everyday services such as clean water, safe roads, and public safety across the state.

This episode of County Conversations, part of NYSAC’s NY Counties Lead initiative, highlights how counties are leading on public safety and emergency preparedness. NYSAC’s Kate Pierce-Nimz joined Erie County Community Coalition Coordinator Lindsay Wright, and Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera for a conversation exploring Erie County’s designation as a HEARTSafe Community by the Citizen CPR Foundation, the essential benchmarks required to achieve it, and how it has impacted emergency preparedness and response the county.

In this episode, NYSAC’s Patrick Cummings is joined by longtime friend and mentor Paul Eldridge, Putnam County Personnel Officer. With more than four decades of leadership in Putnam County and a career that spans nearly 50 years, Paul has been a pillar of the civil service community in New York State. From civil service law to mentoring the next generation, Paul shares lessons learned, career highlights, and advice for county leaders navigating complex challenges. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

In this year-end episode of County Conversations, NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, Co-Founder of three+one, for an annual economic outlook. Together, they review the surprises, shifts, and standout trends that defined 2025, and forecast what county leaders need to know as they prepare for 2026. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

This episode of features a conversation with NYSAC’s Kate Pierce-Nimz, joined by Jordan Brown of Rx Destroyer, to explore how counties can strengthen public health, protect waterways, and support residents through safe medication disposal. From bridging gaps in take-back programs to offering easy, at-home solutions, Jordan explains how innovative tools and local partnerships can reduce harm, empower communities, and advance countywide environmental and public safety goals. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario and Philip Church, newly elected NYSAC President and Oswego County Administrator. They discuss Phil’s journey in county government, the challenges and opportunities of regional economic development, as well as NYSAC priorities for the year ahead. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

This episode features a conversation that unpacks New York’s updated short-term rental law and what it means for counties across the state. NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Nick Del Pego, CEO of Deckard Technologies to discuss the practical benefits of establishing a short-term rental registry and a clear roadmap for local leaders navigating compliance, education, and enforcement. 

This Director’s Cut episode features an in-depth conversation on federal actions that are directly impacting New York’s counties. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Matt Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). They discuss shifting federal immigration policy, the implications of proposed Medicaid and SNAP reforms, as well as the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, federal budget reconciliation efforts, and the role of counties in providing essential services.

This episode features a conversation on Senate Bill 6956 (Ryan)/Assembly Bill 8720 (Stirpe), which would raise the earnings cap for retired public employees who return to work in public service, increasing the limit from $35,000 to $50,000. NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by Tom Tatun, Executive Director of the Retired Public Employees Association to discuss how this legislation can help address urgent workforce shortages while supporting retirees who are ready to step back into public service.

This episode of County Conversations focuses on how counties can fight the opioid epidemic and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Cheryl Moore, Independent Consultant at Opioid Consulting, and Amanda Lucchino, Director of Business Development at Trellis Marketing. They discuss how counties can effectively engage residents in opioid abatement efforts through personalized, data-driven public awareness campaigns.

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.