Andrea Guzzetta Zury is a dedicated public servant with over 20 years of experience in local government and a passion for building strong, effective teams. Andrea currently serves as the Human Resources Director for Monroe County, a position she’s held since 2020—stepping into the role just as the world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A proud Rochester native, Andrea’s journey in public service began after completing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at SUNY Brockport, where she earned a Master’s in Public Administration. She spent 16 years with the City of Rochester, rising through the ranks from Staff Assistant to the Deputy Mayor, to Confidential Aide to the Mayor, and ultimately serving 10 years as Chief of Staff for the City Council.

Her transition to Monroe County marked a new chapter—one defined by resilience and adaptability. “I joined the County in 2020 (just in time for Covid),” Andrea shares, “and I’m incredibly proud of the HR team I get to lead. We navigated the nuances of the pandemic together, constantly pivoting to meet changing guidance and needs.”

Andrea, who is always team first, notes, “The achievements I would want to share are not about me, but rather the accomplishments of the team,” she says. One standout achievement under the Bello Administration is the timely settlement of all labor contracts, ensuring no union was left working under an expired agreement.

Andrea’s commitment to service extends beyond her role in government. She serves on the College Council for SUNY Brockport and is a Board Member for the Rochester and Monroe County Employees Federal Credit Union. She also oversees the annual United Way campaign for Monroe County employees.

When it comes to what she’s learned along the way, Andrea emphasizes the power of relationships. “The relationships you cultivate will help you in almost any situation,” she explains. “Whether it’s seeking advice from a trusted colleague or finding common ground in a tense negotiation, relationship building is key.”

To those new to the world of Civil Service, Andrea offers simple but powerful advice: Ask questions. “Civil Service can be complicated,” she notes, “and understanding how one action can ripple across other areas is so important. I’m lucky to work with a group that has decades of experience and is always open to talking through ideas.”

When asked about changes she’d like to see in the Civil Service system, Andrea points to the importance of ongoing education and connection. “I’d love to see Zoom-based lunch-and-learns throughout the year,” she suggests. “The conference topics are always valuable, but it would be great to build on that with regular opportunities to dive deeper into relevant issues.” As for a more direct improvement? “I’d really like to see test scores come back quicker.”

Outside of work, Andrea cherishes time with her husband, daughter Frannie, and their two dogs, Teddy and Charlie (both of whom proudly make a cameo in her selfie). Her seven-year-old daughter keeps her laughing and grounded, and recently, Andrea has taken up golf—not for the scores, but for the fun and camaraderie.

Andrea may shy away from the personal spotlight, but her leadership, humility, and commitment to public service speak volumes. Whether navigating a crisis or championing her team’s success, she leads with integrity, empathy, and a collaborative spirit that makes her a true asset to Monroe County and the civil service community at large!