Lisa Denig grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where she developed a passion for dance. At 18, she moved to New York City to follow her dream of performing in musical theater, traveling nationwide in productions until life took a new turn—marriage and motherhood. She now has two daughters and continues to inspire others through her work and service.

As the Commissioner of Human Resources for Westchester County, Lisa manages a vast workforce of over 4,500 employees, overseeing HR operations for more than 120 municipalities, Westchester Community College, and Westchester Medical Center. With 1 ½ years in this role, she brings a wealth of experience from her previous positions, including serving as Legal Counsel for the Chief Judge of New York, Hon. Janet DiFiore, and holding roles in the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the federal court system, and local government.

Lisa’s commitment to giving back is evident in her extensive community involvement. She serves on several advisory boards, including Westchester Community College and Pace Law School, and volunteers for various organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Hillside Food Outreach. Additionally, Lisa and her husband are certified foster parents, although not actively fostering at the moment.

Among her many accomplishments, Lisa is particularly proud of publishing her first novel, *Trial and Error*, a personal milestone and lifelong dream. She was recognized as Attorney Innovator of the Year in 2020 for her pioneering work in alternative dispute resolution, shifting the focus from litigation to mediation and arbitration. Her community service has also earned her the prestigious New York State Community College Trustee Award for Most Distinguished Alumni in 2024.

Lisa’s career has taught her the importance of seeing the big picture, particularly in civil service and human resources. She credits her legal background for helping her understand the interconnectedness of recruitment, policy-making, and workforce management. Her advice to newcomers in civil service? Rely on the expertise of seasoned colleagues and leverage the network and knowledge within the New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO).

When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys teaching as an adjunct professor at Pace Law School, reading, writing, exercising, baking, and spending time with her four rescue dogs. Passionate about improving the civil service system, Lisa advocates for a PASS/FAIL system in testing, believing that if candidates pass, they should be eligible for appointments regardless of slightly varying scores.

Lisa’s story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to public service. We are proud to highlight her many achievements and her ongoing contributions to both her community and her profession.