Caitlyn Smith, a dynamic professional who brings both heart and strategy to her work in public service. Raised on a small dairy farm in Lewis County—a region known for having “more cows than people”—Caitlyn’s strong work ethic was shaped by early mornings in the barn and a deep connection to her rural roots. Whether it’s milking cows, hauling hay, or running out for parts, she still finds time to help on the farm she grew up on.

A devoted mother to daughters Hazel (7) and Cecilia (6), Caitlyn’s personal life is just as full as her professional one. From soccer practices to PTO meetings, she stays involved in her community while balancing a high-impact career. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wells College, where she played on the women’s soccer team, and went on to complete her MBA at Columbia College. Before entering public service, Caitlyn worked at the local Kraft Heinz plant, advancing from dairy procurement and production scheduling to a leadership role in human resources.

Since July 2019, Caitlyn has served as the Director of Human Resources and Personnel Officer for Lewis County. Her role spans both HR and civil service responsibilities and includes employee benefit administration for the County’s hospital—one of only two municipal hospitals in New York State. In her nearly six years with the County, she’s made a measurable impact through modernization efforts and employee development initiatives.

Caitlyn’s work extends well beyond her job title. She serves on several internal committees, including Wellness, Health Insurance Study, Corporate Compliance, and Safety, and supports the Hospital HR Committee. Outside the office, she lends her time and talents as a board member for the local youth soccer organization and is an active participant in her daughters’ elementary school PTO.

Among her proudest achievements, Caitlyn is a certified Personality Dimensions Level 1 Trainer. This training allows her to help individuals and teams better understand personality traits and work styles, ultimately improving collaboration and leadership. She credits the program with deepening her insight into employee motivation and professional development, a core passion of hers. Another milestone? Finally phasing out the last typewriter from the HR office as she leads the charge toward fully implementing HRIS software—streamlining recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and more.

One of the most valuable lessons Caitlyn has learned in her career is the importance of understanding the work of others. Whether shadowing employees or visiting different worksites, she makes it a point to understand how each person and position fits into the larger mission of the County. “My role is to support others as they find the right fit, connection, and resources they need,” she says. “Together, we create a team that is a picture of success for our community.”

To newcomers in the field of civil service, Caitlyn offers this advice: “Civil service has a lot of rules but also a lot of resources. Research and ask questions—you probably aren’t the first to encounter a situation, and if you are, there is plenty of support to help guide you.”

If given the opportunity to improve civil service, Caitlyn would advocate for broader use of the Qualified Incumbent Examination beyond the current HELP titles. “This would provide a practical and equitable path forward for those who have proven themselves on the job but face hurdles with standardized testing,” she explains, emphasizing the need for flexibility and fairness in the system.

Outside of work, Caitlyn stays active with outdoor hobbies like hiking, ATV and snowmobile riding, and playing in a women’s soccer league. She’s also learning to golf and recently completed a fun side project with her dad—converting a cattle trailer into a mobile bar that’s now a hit at local events and parties.

With a unique blend of grit, empathy, and vision, Caitlyn Smith continues to make an impact in her community and in public service—one thoughtful decision at a time!