County Conversations

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.