From stenographer to globe-trotting personal assistant to the cornerstone of Franklin County’s civil service operation, Kim Godreau’s career is nothing short of inspiring. Her professional path, rooted in the merit system, exemplifies the power of opportunity, determination, and community impact.

Kim’s civil service journey began right after high school, when she was hired from an eligibility list as a Stenographer at North Country Community College. While working full-time, she leveraged the college’s free tuition benefit to earn her associate’s degree. Her hard work and dedication led her to climb the ladder to Assistant to the President. That experience laid the groundwork for a unique detour—over a decade of international travel as a Personal Assistant to a global celebrity.

Eventually, the pull of home and purpose brought her back to New York, where she took a role at a biomedical institute. There, she provided executive-level support to the Director, President, and CEO. It wasn’t long before a county legislator encouraged her to return to public service. The idea of contributing to the merit system that had launched her career resonated deeply. In 2015, she stepped into her current role as Franklin County’s Personnel Officer and Director of Workers Compensation.

Now, nearly a decade into her tenure, Kim leads a dedicated team of four. Together, they administer civil service for a wide range of public agencies throughout Franklin County. Kim’s focus is on equipping her team with the resources and knowledge to move the merit system forward. She also partners closely with county leadership, union reps, and elected officials, and regularly conducts “Civil Service 101” trainings to educate newcomers and stakeholders alike.

Outside the office, Kim’s commitment to her community runs deep. She chairs the County’s Workers Compensation Safety Committee and has been the Treasurer and a founding member of the Waverly Youth Council for over 20 years. Among the council’s proudest achievements: the successful reopening of the Town Beach after a 20-year closure—a testament to perseverance and grassroots collaboration.

One of Kim’s proudest achievements in her role has been transforming the Personnel department’s physical workspace. Originally cramped and lacking privacy, the department is now housed in a custom-designed office suite with individual offices, dedicated storage, and a conference room. Kim was directly involved in planning the new space, a change she credits to the support of the County administration.

When asked what skills she values most, Kim points to emotional intelligence and a measured approach to employee relations. Whether it’s navigating sensitive investigations or recognizing the unique strengths of her team, she believes in leading with empathy and clarity. Her advice for those new to civil service? Dive into the Civil Service Rules and Laws, never stop asking questions, and resist the temptation to accept “we’ve always done it that way” as a final answer.

If given the chance to change one thing in the civil service system, Kim would introduce a more effective incentive for agencies to comply with annual payroll certifications—perhaps linking state funding to compliance. “Funding always gets their attention,” she notes with a smile.

Balancing a demanding role with personal fulfillment is something Kim prioritizes. Nature walks with her dog, gardening, cooking, traveling, and family time—especially as a wife, mom of two, and one of seven siblings—keep her grounded.

Kim Godreau’s story is one of full-circle service—starting from the opportunities civil service provided her and now working tirelessly to ensure that same system continues to serve others with fairness, integrity, and purpose!