Brian Bray, the Commissioner of Erie County’s Personnel Department, a lifelong Western New Yorker with a passion for public service. Brian’s impressive academic background includes a Doctor of Public Administration from West Chester University, a Master of Public Administration from Hilbert College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University at Buffalo. These credentials have significantly shaped his approach to leadership and governance, empowering him to drive meaningful change in his community.

Brian has served as the Commissioner of Erie County’s Personnel Department since August 2022. In this role, he oversees civil service administration for the county, serving over 130 appointing authorities and 26,000 employees. In addition to managing civil service functions, his department is responsible for payroll, benefits, and risk management for the county government.

Before taking on this role, Brian held various leadership positions in Erie County government, including Policy Director for the County Executive, Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Social Services, and Legislative Liaison for the County Executive. These experiences have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of county operations and a steadfast commitment to public service excellence.

Brian’s dedication to his community extends beyond his professional role. He chairs the Erie County Deferred Compensation Committee and is a Trustee of the Labor Management Health Fund. Additionally, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and is a member of SUNY Buffalo State University’s MPA Advisory Board. His affiliations with professional associations such as SHRM and ASPA underscore his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Among his many accomplishments, Brian is particularly proud of helping establish Live Well Erie, an initiative promoting health and wellness for Erie County residents. He also played a pivotal role in coordinating the Erie County Opioid Settlement Plan, ensuring funds were allocated to impactful programs. On a personal note, earning his Doctorate in Public Administration was a significant milestone.

However, his proudest achievement is his more than 20-year marriage to his wife, Cathryn, and their two amazing daughters, Beatrix and Matilda.

Throughout his career, Brian has honed valuable skills in strategic planning, collaboration, and effective communication. Navigating complex regulations, managing diverse teams, and building partnerships across government and community organizations have been instrumental in his success.

When asked for advice for newcomers to civil service, Brian emphasizes humility. “There are a lot of challenges to working in the civil service system, but it is set up the way it is for a reason. Once you understand how the system works, you can usually find solutions that address the needs of the appointing authority while ensuring fairness to the candidates.”

If given the opportunity to implement changes in the civil service system, Brian would advocate for incorporating performance evaluations into promotional opportunities. He believes these evaluations provide critical insights into an employee’s work ethic, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities—qualities that cannot be assessed through written exams alone.

When Brian isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending concerts, and indulging in meals at Olive Garden. A self-proclaimed pop culture enthusiast, Brian loves exploring the history of music, film, and television. He’s also a proud member of the Bills Mafia and enjoys playing guitar in his free time.

Brian Bray exemplifies the spirit of public service, combining his expertise and passion to improve the lives of those in his community. His leadership and dedication continue to inspire and drive meaningful progress in Erie County.