Dr. Kevin Watkins Elected President of New York State Association of Counties
For Immediate Release: September 30, 2026
Dr. Kevin Watkins Elected President of New York State Association of Counties
Cattaraugus County Public Health Director to Lead Statewide Association Representing New York’s 62 Counties
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) elected Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin D. Watkins as its new president this week. Dr. Watkins was elected by county leaders from across New York during NYSAC’s annual Fall Seminar in Onondaga County.
As president, Dr. Watkins will lead the association’s Board of Directors and help guide NYSAC’s efforts to strengthen county government, advocate for local priorities at the state and federal levels, and provide county officials with opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as president of an association that brings together county leaders from every corner of New York State,” said Dr. Watkins. “The challenges facing our communities may look different from county to county, but we are stronger when we work together, learn from one another, and speak with a unified voice. I look forward to working with our officers, board members, county officials, and the NYSAC team to build on more than a century of service and ensure counties continue to lead in delivering results for the people we serve.”
Dr. Watkins serves as Cattaraugus County Public Health Director, a position he has held for more than 15 years. He also serves as a local health department representative on the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council.
“Dr. Watkins brings an extraordinary record of public service and a deep understanding of the role counties play in the lives of New Yorkers,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “His career has been defined by collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of his community. Those qualities will serve our association well as counties navigate a rapidly changing landscape and work together to meet the challenges ahead.”
Dr. Watkins earned his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School and has served throughout his career as a primary care physician, research scientist, public health physician, director of a faith and health outreach association, and president of the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO).
He has also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Western New York Public Health Alliance, Southern Tier Health Care System Inc., Universal Primary Care, Cattaraugus Community Action, Healthy Community Alliance, and the Western New York Physicians Leadership Team.
Dr. Watkins succeeds Oswego County Administrator Philip R. Church as NYSAC president.
For more than 100 years, the New York State Association of Counties has served as the unified voice of county government in New York State. NYSAC represents county executives, administrators, legislators, supervisors, commissioners, and other county officials from all 62 counties, including the five boroughs of New York City, advocating for county priorities and providing education, training, research, and opportunities for collaboration among local leaders.
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