For nearly three decades, Laura Granger has been a dedicated and influential figure in the field of human resources across multiple counties in New York. Her career began in 1996 as a Senior Typist in the Seneca County Mental Health Department, a position that soon opened the door to greater opportunities. By 2000, Laura had transferred to the Personnel Department, where her skills and commitment led her through various roles, including Personnel Aide and Personnel Technician. In September 2015, she transitioned to Cayuga County as the Deputy HR Administrator for three and a half years. In 2019, she advanced to become the Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources in Tompkins County. Despite her success in other counties, when the opportunity arose to return to Seneca County as the Personnel Officer in 2021, Laura eagerly accepted, describing it as “returning home.”

In her current role as Personnel Officer, Laura is not only responsible for overseeing essential HR functions but also spearheads initiatives to enhance operations. Notably, she founded the Payroll/Finance/IT/HR Committee when she began in 2021, a collaborative group that reviews issues related to payroll bi-weekly, ensuring smooth operations across departments.

Beyond her work in Seneca County, Laura has played an active role in various organizations. She serves as an Executive Board Member of the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (GTCMHIC) and has chaired the Operations Committee since 2022. Additionally, she has held the position of Treasurer for the New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO) from 2019 to 2023 and continues to contribute to its Nomination Committee.

Among Laura’s proudest accomplishments are establishing clear communication with all three unions in her county and creating a space for open dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of integrity in her work, always striving to “do the right thing, even if it is hard.” Her guiding principle, inspired by the quote “seek first to understand, then to be understood,” reflects her thoughtful approach to leadership.

When asked what advice she would give to newcomers in civil service, Laura encourages embracing growth through mistakes, reminding them that “every expert was once a beginner.” She emphasizes the value of learning from each experience, no matter how challenging.

Outside of her professional life, Laura is deeply involved in her community. She is a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Weedsport, where she serves as an Elder and the organist/pianist. In her free time, she enjoys singing, painting rocks, making jewelry, and spending time with her family and close friends.

Looking to the future, Laura is passionate about demystifying the civil service system. She hopes to raise awareness and erase the outdated perception that it is no longer relevant, advocating for the importance of civil service in today’s workforce.

Laura Granger’s journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and belief in the power of collaboration. Her leadership continues to inspire those around her, and her commitment to public service shines through in all she does.