With over three decades of public service experience, Kim Brumley has dedicated her career to building stronger communities through accountability, empathy, and a deep commitment to civic engagement. Her journey began in 1993, and since then, she has held numerous leadership roles in both city government and the local school district, including City Controller and School Business Manager. For Kim, public service is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

Since July 2019, Kim has served as the Director of Employee Relations for the City of Amsterdam. In this role, she supports both city leadership and employees on matters related to human resources policies, civil service processes, labor relations, and employee concerns. With her background in finance and operations, this position allows her to combine strategic oversight with a people-first approach. “It’s a natural extension of my career,” she says. “Just with a deeper focus on people.”

Kim’s dedication doesn’t stop at the office door. She is actively involved in several organizations that reflect her values and commitment to service. She currently serves as Vice President of the MCT Federal Credit Union Board and is a long-standing board member—and former President—of Liberty ARC, where she also contributes to key committees such as the Special Review, Corporate Compliance, and Finance Committees. Additionally, Kim is the President of New Dimension Living, a facility that provides essential mental health and dental services to the community. Her past role as 3rd Ward Alderperson for the City of Amsterdam speaks further to her dedication to local leadership.

Throughout her career, Kim has achieved many milestones—from leading successful budget initiatives and union negotiations to building trust and consistency within her current employee relations role. Her work is grounded in a strong skillset that includes financial analysis, negotiation, and conflict resolution, but it’s her emphasis on empathy, discretion, and communication that sets her apart.

Her advice to newcomers in civil service? “Be patient. Take the time to understand the system—it may move slowly, but it’s built for fairness and stability. And most importantly, take advantage of the support NYSAPCSO offers. I was relatively new to civil service, and I found a wealth of knowledge and generosity among the members. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or attend events to grow your network.”

If given the opportunity to improve the civil service system, Kim would focus on modernizing the recruitment and onboarding process. “We need to make exams and hiring more accessible and aligned with the realities of today’s workforce,” she explains. “Relevant training and experience should be given more weight to ensure we’re hiring the best candidates—not just those who test well.”

Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her family—especially her grandchild, who brings joy and perspective to her life. She’s also an avid golfer and finds relaxation in massages and dinners with friends.

Kim Brumley exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and strategy. Her unwavering commitment to public service, paired with her thoughtful approach to civil service reform, makes her a valued member of our community and a true asset to the City of Amsterdam.