CJ Smith’s journey is one of dedication, versatility, and a steadfast commitment to her community. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services from Castleton State College, CJ began her career as a phlebotomist and medical assistant, supporting patients across hospital and private practice settings. Transitioning to county service, she spent a decade working in Schoharie County’s Health Department on various grant programs. After a brief hiatus to run a landscape supply business with her husband and raise her children, CJ returned to the field of human services, eventually rejoining county employment in 2017. She now holds the vital role of Personnel Officer, a position she assumed in June 2021.

In her professional role, CJ leads critical legislative committee meetings, including the Personnel and Rules & Legislation Committees. She serves as Treasurer for the Department Head Association and participates on the Medicaid Compliance Committee, all while cultivating strong relationships with county legislators and department heads. CJ’s innovative spirit shines through in her achievements, having modernized Schoharie County’s policies by implementing Lexipol, a cloud-based management program, and actively transitioning to Tyler Munis and NeoGov to streamline HR and civil service operations.

CJ’s commitment extends beyond the workplace. She’s deeply involved in her community as the Vice President of her local fire department auxiliary, President of a non-profit Clay Target Team, and is active in her local school district and the Republican Party. CJ and her husband of 25 years have raised two sons, ages 23 and 16, whom they cherish and are immensely proud of.

Among the values CJ has developed through her work, communication, consistency, and follow-through stand out. She advises new civil service professionals to have patience, stay consistent, and lean on their networks for support. CJ believes that patience and a strong professional network are key to navigating the intricacies of civil service.

Outside of her professional life, CJ finds joy in the outdoors, recently returning from a memorable family moose hunting trip to Newfoundland. An avid woodworker, baker, and baseball enthusiast, she especially enjoys watching the Little League World Series each year.

Looking forward, CJ envisions a more modernized civil service system, where digitization and a decentralized exam process can help improve recruitment and retention. Her vision reflects her dedication to continuous improvement and her commitment to serving her community.