New York County Officials Named to National Leadership Posts

At the 2025 Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties (NACo), held in Philadelphia, twelve New York county leaders were appointed to key national leadership posts. These appointments to multiple NACo steering committees reinforce New York’s prominence in shaping national county policy.

“NYSAC congratulates these distinguished county leaders for their well-deserved appointments,” said Ben Boykin II, President of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). “Their selection and service underscore the deep bench of talent we have, and that our counties continue to lead the way on smart, effective, and responsive local government.”

“These appointments come at a critical time of change at the federal level,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Having New York voices in national policy discussions ensures that our communities are not only heard but help lead the charge in building stronger, more resilient counties nationwide.”

NACo leadership appointments include the following NYSAC members.

Allegany County

• Brooke Harris – Vice Chair, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee; Vice Chair, Programs & Services Standing Committee

Madison County

• John Pinard – Subcommittee Vice Chair, Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee - County & Tribal Relations Subcommittee

Niagara County

• David Godfrey – Vice Chair, Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee

Onondaga County

• Ryan McMahon – Chair, International Economic Development Innovation Council

Orange County

• Kathy Stegenga – Vice Chair, Transportation Steering Committee

Orleans County

• Lynne Johnson – Subcommittee Vice Chair, Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee - Law Enforcement Subcommittee

Oswego County

• Terry Wilbur – Chair, Rural Action Caucus; Vice Chair, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee; Vice Chair, Membership Standing Committee
• Philip Church – Subcommittee Vice Chair, Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee - Energy Subcommittee

Rensselaer County

• Steve McLaughlin – Subcommittee Vice Chair, Transportation Steering Committee - Airports Subcommittee

Steuben County

• James Kuhl – Chair, Human Services and Education Steering Committee

Westchester County

• Erika Pierce – Vice Chair, Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee
• Kenneth Jenkins – Subcommittee Chair, Transportation Steering Committee - Transit/Rail Subcommittee

The National Association of Counties (NACo) serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices, nurtures leadership skills, optimizes county and taxpayer resources and cost savings, and enriches the public’s understanding of county government.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSA), founded in 1925, is an affiliate of NACo and works closely with the organization to advance priorities of New York’s counties at the state and federal level.

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Media Contact: Mark LaVigne| mlavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206