For David Coury, public service isn’t just a job—it’s a journey marked by growth, gratitude, and a deep belief in the merit system. A proud native of Oneonta, David began his career with the City of Oneonta in 2005, originally hired in the Recreation Department. Over nearly a decade, he played a vital role in running a variety of adult and youth programming before transitioning to Human Resources in 2015. Since then, David has steadily advanced through the ranks, holding positions such as Administrative Specialist, Personnel Assistant, Senior Human Resources Specialist, and, as of June 2024, Principal Human Resources Specialist. He also serves as Secretary to the Civil Service Commission, a role he’s held since 2022.

Before joining the City, David worked as a Directory Assistance Operator for Verizon and later at a not-for-profit organization advocating for at-risk youth. These early experiences shaped the foundation of his HR career, instilling in him a strong sense of empathy and a deep understanding of workplace dynamics. His time as a union representative at Verizon sparked a lasting interest in labor law, contract language, and employee relations—skills that continue to serve him well today.

David’s civil service story is one of perseverance and purpose. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that I was hired by the city 20 years ago to set up volleyball nets and have somehow ended up where I am now,” he says. “I feel like my story is a testament to the merit system we all work to administer.”

While David was previously active in the Oneonta Rotary Club, his current focus outside of work is his family. He and his wife are raising their 9-year-old daughter in Binghamton, and he commutes from Broome County to Oneonta each day. They share their home with his mother, who moved into an attached apartment after the pandemic—an arrangement that reflects David’s strong sense of family and support.

David credits much of his success to the guidance of former City of Oneonta Personnel Director Katie Böttger, who mentored him during his early years in HR. “The six years I spent working for Katie built the foundation of civil service knowledge and interpersonal skills that I rely on every day,” he says. His advice to anyone new in civil service? “Find a mentor. Whether through the NYSAPCSO mentorship program or your local network, having someone to guide you makes all the difference.”

When asked about one change he would make to the civil service system, David’s passion for history shines through again: “It’s a shame James Garfield had to die to make civil service happen. He could have been a great president.”

Outside of work, David is a devoted sports fan—despite being a New York Giants loyalist in a city peppered with Cowboys fans. Mondays after a loss are never easy. He’s also an avid history buff who uses his commute time to dive into historical biographies on Audible. “I probably annoy my colleagues every time I relate a decision the city is faced with to some obscure pre-1900s political intrigue,” he jokes.

David’s journey from recreation staff to leading Oneonta’s HR department is a powerful reminder of what’s possible within the civil service framework. His work ethic, passion, and dedication to continuous growth embody the values of public service—and his story inspires us all to keep learning, keep improving, and always honor the system that helps turn potential into purpose.