Terri was born and raised in Fulton County, a place she proudly calls home. With a strong connection to her community, she has remained in the area throughout her life. Terri has been married to her husband for 36 years, and together they have raised two children and are now the proud grandparents of three. After earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Terri was uncertain about her career path. A decision to take her first civil service exam set her on a path that would shape her career.

Terri has served as Fulton County’s Director of Personnel since 2007, but her journey within the department began long before that. She started her career in 1987 as a Typist and steadily worked her way up through various roles in the department. This November, Terri will celebrate an impressive 37 years in civil service and personnel administration! Her career is a testament to hard work and dedication.

When asked about her biggest achievements, Terri cites her journey to her current position as her most significant accomplishment. By learning and performing every job in the department, she gained invaluable experience and a thorough understanding of the work. Terri takes great pride in the decisions she makes and the quality of her work, viewing her commitment to doing the best job possible as an achievement in itself.

Throughout her career, Terri has gained a deep understanding of the complexities of civil service and personnel administration. One of the most valuable lessons she has learned is the importance of pausing to think before responding to questions. In the world of civil service, even the smallest detail can change the answer, and Terri’s careful approach has served her well over the years.

Terri’s advice for newcomers to civil service is simple: ask questions! She encourages reaching out to the NYSAPCSO list serve, finding a mentor, and seeking guidance from the New York State Civil Service Municipal Services Division (MSD). Taking the time to read, research, and truly understand Civil Service Law, local rules, and union contracts will make the job much easier in the long run.

Outside of work, Terri enjoys camping and spending quality time with her family. She has a passion for traveling and exploring new places. Terri has also dedicated over 20 years to her community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. In her downtime, she is an avid reader who loves to get lost in a good book.

If Terri could implement any change in the civil service system, it would be to increase public education about the civil service process. She believes that understanding the journey from taking an exam to getting appointed would help manage expectations. Although there may be a wait for exam results, certification, and eventual hiring, Terri emphasizes that the wait is worth the payoff. Educating the public about this process could alleviate frustration and provide a clearer picture of what to expect.

Terri Souza’s dedication to her career, her family, and her community is truly inspiring. Her journey through civil service is a remarkable example of how hard work, patience, and a commitment to learning can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.