Kimberly Kinblom’s commitment to public service runs deep—not just professionally, but personally as well. Born and raised in Clinton County, Kimberly is now raising her own family in the same community that shaped her, continuing a proud family tradition of public service. “It means the world to me to be working here and raising my family in my hometown,” she says. Married to her high school sweetheart and the proud mother of two daughters, Ellie (9) and Brooke (8), Kimberly juggles a busy home life with three dogs and a demanding public service career with grace and passion.

Kimberly holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and earned her MBA from Clarkson University, focusing on Human Resources—training that she puts to use daily in her dual roles with Clinton County. For the past 11 years, she has served as the County’s Personnel Director, and for the last five years, she’s also taken on the role of Deputy County Administrator. Her responsibilities range from labor relations, union coordination, employee investigations, and disciplinary matters to strategic planning, budgeting, and overseeing department heads. “Like many Civil Service Local Offices, our department also manages all Human Resources functions for the County,” she explains. “It’s a role that keeps me on my toes and deeply connected to every part of county operations.”

Her dedication doesn’t stop at the office door. Kimberly serves on several boards and committees, including the Clinton County Corporate Compliance Board, New York State Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance, Clinton County Ethics Board, and Champlain Valley Educational Services Advisory Board. She also coordinates Title IV Civil Rights efforts for the County and maintains a SHRM-CP certification.

Among her proudest accomplishments is earning a certification in Employee Relations and Investigations from Cornell University, which has greatly enhanced her ability to handle workplace issues with fairness and precision. Under her leadership, the Personnel Team has modernized hiring processes, making them more efficient and accessible—bringing the department “into the 21st century.”

When asked about the most valuable skill she’s gained, Kimberly doesn’t hesitate: resiliency. “I have developed the ability to remain calm, focused, and positive under high stress, public scrutiny, and organizational change,” she says—a skill that’s clearly served her well across her many roles.

For those new to civil service, her advice is grounded in both realism and encouragement: “Government can move slowly, but change takes time. Focus on progress and quality—not speed. And remember to always be kind and go above and beyond for others.”

Looking ahead, Kimberly hopes to see continued modernization in the civil service system, particularly when it comes to the examination process. “I’m grateful for recent reforms that have enhanced accessibility and addressed workforce shortages,” she says. “But I’d love to see a shift toward grading candidates simply through Training and Experience Examinations.”

Outside of work, Kimberly stays active and engaged. A former college athlete, she still plays in an adult volleyball club and enjoys boating on Lake Champlain with her family. Much of her free time is spent cheering on her daughters in their travel sports endeavors—a role she relishes just as much as any of her professional titles.

With her deep roots in the community, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication to progress, Kimberly Kinblom exemplifies the very best of public service!