When it comes to dedication, institutional knowledge, and a deep commitment to public service, few can match the legacy of Paul Eldridge. With more than four decades of leadership in Putnam County and a career that spans nearly 50 years, Paul has been a pillar of the civil service community in New York State—and a proud member and past President of NYSAPCSO.

Born and raised in Rockland County, Paul spent his early years in Congers before settling in Pearl River. He graduated from SUNY Oneonta and went on to complete the prestigious Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. It was during his six months of NYS Civil Service Training in Albany in 1974 that Paul met his future wife, Priscilla. The couple married later that year and have now celebrated 48 years together. They raised identical twin sons, Justin and Matthew, both of whom became medical doctors, and are now the proud grandparents of six grandchildren ranging in age from 10 to 16.

Paul’s civil service journey began in 1974 as a Municipal Personnel Technician Trainee in the Rockland County Personnel Department. Just three years later, on April 1, 1977, he was appointed as Putnam County’s first Personnel Officer—a role he has continued to hold for an astounding eight consecutive six-year terms. His appointment replaced the existing Civil Service Commission, and in typical Paul fashion, he jokes about the timing: “April Fools Day—pretty appropriate if you really know me!”

Beyond his personnel duties, Paul has often stepped into leadership roles. For over 40 years, he has served as First Acting County Executive in the absence or incapacity of the elected official. In 2011, he formally assumed that role when the newly elected County Executive was barred from taking office due to felony convictions. Paul’s steady hand helped guide the county through a time of uncertainty, and he did so with the support of a cooperative legislature and unwavering dedication to ethical governance.

Service doesn’t stop at the office door for Paul. He has been deeply involved in his community through decades of volunteer work. A Pearl River Hook & Ladder exempt volunteer firefighter, Paul also helped found and lead the Rockland County Firefighter’s Softball League. For more than 45 years, he’s been a Cornell Cooperative Extension volunteer, including 18 years on the Board. He has held leadership roles in both the Carmel and Philipstown Rotary Clubs and has been active with the United Way, American Heart Association, and the Putnam Community Service Network.

His long list of accolades includes being named Carmel Rotary’s Outstanding Rotarian in 1989, receiving the Fred Dill Community Service Award in 1991, the Putnam Community Service Network’s 2011 Public Service Award, NYSAPCSO’s 2012 Merit and Fitness Award, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Fair Honoree Award in 2019. In a particularly meaningful moment, Paul was named an “Honorary Veteran” by the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council for his unwavering support of local veterans’ programs.

When Paul took the reins in 1977, Putnam County’s Civil Service Department had been rated “Unsatisfactory” in two consecutive audits. Through determination and strategic hiring, Paul built a fully functional Personnel Department staffed by talented professionals dedicated to public service. His proudest moments include winning a landmark appellate court decision affirming his efforts to ensure civil service compliance in a local school district—a ruling that led to a $50,000 settlement and an official apology.

Paul also created “10-10 meetings” to foster better communication with non-county civil service agencies, a testament to his collaborative leadership style and focus on continuous improvement.

Paul’s professional strengths are as diverse as they are impactful. From his deep understanding of Civil Service Law to his skill in contract negotiations and conflict resolution, Paul brings both wisdom and humility to his work. He’s also a mentor at heart, guided by the Rotary’s Four-Way Test, especially: “Is it the truth?” and “Is it fair to all concerned?”

His advice to others in the profession is practical and powerful:

• Give respect to earn respect.

• Don’t be afraid to say, “Let me double-check.”

• Learn to research thoroughly.

• If you supervise others, be a coach—not a boss.

• Remember: “Perfection is the enemy of the very good.”

Paul sees great potential in modernizing the Civil Service system to better meet today’s needs. He advocates for expanding the use of Training and Experience (T&E) and Continuous Recruitment (CR) exams, broadening the Non-Competitive class through application review, and modifying the “1 in 3” rule to a “1 in 10” for greater flexibility in appointments.

When he’s not working, Paul enjoys hiking, photography, coin collecting, and classic rock. He has a green thumb for perennial gardening and has avoided using home heating oil since the winter of 1978-79 thanks to his passion for wood harvesting. He also enjoys river cruising and—most importantly—spending time with his grandchildren.

From his first civil service appearance in 1974, to his first association meeting in 1975, to his tenure as NYSAPCSO President (2003–2005), and continuing to the present day, Paul Eldridge has been a steady and inspiring presence in New York State’s civil service landscape. With nearly 50 years of service under his belt, Paul’s legacy lies not only in what he’s accomplished—but also in the countless lives he has touched, mentored, and uplifted along the way.

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