Nicole Yaggle was born and raised in Medford, NY, on Long Island. She is one of three siblings and an identical twin. She has been married to her husband, Bob, for 20 years, and together they have two amazing children, Logan and Cole. Nicole also has two chocolate labs, Olivia and Ben. Much of her free time is spent with her family, watching her boys play baseball, and traveling.

Nicole earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Albany and has since dedicated over 27 years to government service. She began her career working for the Montgomery County Office for the Aging and the New York State Department of Labor. She later became a Probation Officer for Albany County, a role she held for 11 years before transitioning her career while remaining committed to public service.

In 2013, Nicole joined Montgomery County, eventually becoming the County’s first Labor Management Director. She was appointed Personnel Officer in 2015 and now leads an exceptional Human Resources team. Her responsibilities include Civil Service Administration, Labor Relations, and Benefits Administration, which encompasses the County’s self-insured health insurance, pharmacy, and workers’ compensation plans. She also manages payroll, the compensation plan, and the time and attendance program. Additionally, Nicole oversees risk management, county-wide training, the drug and alcohol program, and employee health and wellness initiatives.

Nicole currently serves as the Vice President of the New York Association of Personnel & Civil Service Officers. She is a member of the Board of Directors for New Dimensions in Healthcare and Ridge Health Services. She also serves on the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Public Employee Relations, and General Government. Furthermore, she is active in the New York State Association of Self-Insured Counties, the Empire State Safety Association, and the New York State Public Employer Labor Relations Association.

Nicole’s advice to others is to study the Civil Service Law and their local rules. However, she emphasizes the importance of building relationships with others who serve in similar roles across the state. “The relationships we build make the day-to-day more manageable,” she says. “Having a network helps not only with staying updated on rule changes and compliance mandates but also keeps us sane!”

If Nicole could improve the civil service system, it would be by enhancing communication between the state and local agencies. She believes it is critical for local voices to be heard during the development and modification of laws. While acknowledging the good intentions behind many changes, she points out that excluding input from those who understand the practical application of rule changes can lead to unintended consequences.

For those just starting out, Nicole acknowledges that the field can feel overwhelming but assures them that patience, networking, and ongoing education will help build confidence and credibility. She encourages new professionals to seek guidance from experienced Civil Service leaders, attend conferences, and never hesitate to ask questions. Above all, she advises prioritizing fairness, compliance, and professionalism.

Nicole Yaggle’s journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and commitment to both her profession and to public service!