Oswego County Administrator Phil Church Receives Excellence in Local Government Service Award

Albany, May 22, 2025 – The New York State Academy of Public Administration (SAPA) yesterday announced that Phil Church, Oswego County Administrator and Budget Officer, has been honored with the prestigious Robert McEvoy Award for Local Government Public Service. The award recognizes Church's exceptional leadership, visionary strategic planning, and unwavering dedication to public service.

As the County Administrator and Budget Officer since 2007, Church has provided fiscal stewardship over a $266 million annual budget while overseeing a workforce of over 1,000 employees. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in delivering a comprehensive range of public services, including health and social services, law enforcement, economic development, public works, and solid waste management. Under his guidance, the county has implemented transformative initiatives that have strengthened fiscal responsibility, enhanced public services, and fostered economic growth.

“It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by an organization that is committed to advancing professionalism and effectiveness in public service,” said Church. “This award reminds us of what excellence in local government service really is: ethical leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the public good. I'm grateful to be seen as working in that tradition, and I will strive in the years ahead to continue in those values.” Mr. Church is NYSAC’s President-Elect and will be sworn in as the association’s leader in September.

“This award is a testament to Phil Church’s distinguished career, which exemplifies the highest standards of public administration, leadership, and service. His ability to manage complex governmental operations with integrity, vision, and efficiency makes him a deserving recipient of this honor,” said the Hon. Benjamin Boykin, president of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).

Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties stated, “Local governments depend on skilled, forward-thinking professionals like Phil Church. This organization sets a high bar for serving communities with transparency, efficiency, and compassion and Phil has consistently exemplified those values throughout his career. His innovative approaches and steadfast leadership have improved the lives of countless residents and strengthened the foundation of local governance in New York State.”

Church has been a key advocate for Oswego County at the state and federal levels, working closely with elected officials to advance the county’s interests. His most recent role as Chair of the four-county National Marine Sanctuary Nomination Task Force and his leadership as the Local Government Liaison to the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council highlight his dedication to preserving and promoting environmental and economic resources for future generations.

Established in 1974, SAPA is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting excellence in public service through charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. At its core, SAPA strives to improve policies, processes, personnel, and institutions within public administration by fostering scholarly inquiry and discussion, and by sponsoring state- and regional-level in-service training and special conferences that empower public service professionals to excel in their roles.

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