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For Immediate Release - 3/17/2022

Montgomery County Official Receives Honors For Completing County Government Institute

Montgomery County official one of four honored by NYSAC for graduating from the County Government Institute in a ceremony at the NYSAC Legislative Conference in Albany.
From left: Deborah Slesinski, Mary Pat Smith, Stephen Acquario, Martha Sauerbrey, Cindy Kalweit, Connie Couture

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) announced that Connie Couture, Business Manager for the Montgomery County Public Health Department and Mental Health Department was one of four county officials honored for graduating from the NYSAC County Government Institute. The ceremony was held at the NYSAC Legislative Conference in Albany this week. 
 
The program is a collaboration between NYSAC and Cornell University that provides training to county leaders on topics including building consensus, financial management, ethics, management, and the foundations of county government. 
 
"The County Government Institute provides an invaluable opportunity to learn and practice skills that will develop more effective leaders," said Couture. 
 
Connie Couture joined the Montgomery County Public Health Department in September 2017 as the Business Manager and took on the fiscal responsibility for the county's Mental Health Department, as well, in January 2018. Connie began attending NYSAC conferences as soon as her government career began and is an active member of the Children with Special Needs Committee, as well as the Committee for Public and Mental Health. Connie is passionate about improving opportunities for residents of Montgomery County. She has drafted a resolution for Children with Special Needs that would expand the availability of much needed therapy programs to be presented to the committee at the 2022 NYSAC Legislative Conference. 
 
Empowering county leaders to engage in civil and constructive dialogue on the challenges they face, the Institute serves as a platform throughout the State to meet and discuss the unique issues of county government. 
 
“Graduates of the County Government Institute demonstrate a commitment to excellence in local public service that is a great asset to them and the communities they serve,” said NYSAC President Martha (Marte) Sauerbrey. “On behalf of our entire association I offer my congratulations to all the graduates.” 
 
"The County Government Institute provides local leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the increasing demands of local government leadership - now and in the future," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. 
 
CGI courses are offered at Legislative Conference as well as the annual Fall Seminar, and County Finance School in May. Courses are also offered regionally throughout the year to enable county leaders to stay up-to-date on timely issues and opportunities in local government. 
 
Elected and appointed county officials can register for the Institute and actively participate in its programs, policy forums and informational sessions.?For more information about the County Government Institute, visit www.nysac.org/cgi
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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne | MLavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206

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