Katie D’Amico may be relatively new to the world of Civil Service, but her impact and dedication already speak volumes. A proud lifelong resident of the City of Tonawanda, Katie has always been active in her community—and that spirit of involvement is what helped shape her transition into public service.

Just over a year ago, Katie stepped into her role as Secretary to the Civil Service Commission for the City of Tonawanda, despite having no prior experience in the field. “The Commission took a chance on me,” Katie shares. “But I’ve fully accepted my role, and I’ve grown so much and learned even more.” In this short time, she’s not only adapted to the intricacies of Civil Service, but she’s also taken the initiative to improve internal systems—spearheading a major project to refile and organize all digital and physical files in her office. Her goal is to create a more efficient and sustainable workspace, especially after years of high turnover in her position.

Katie’s commitment to service extends well beyond City Hall. She’s actively involved in multiple community roles: serving on the Civil Service Commission, substituting at Tonawanda High School, coaching youth soccer for the Tonawanda Soccer Club, and acting as the costume director for the THS theatre department. Her hands-on involvement with young people and the arts reflects both her passion for mentoring and her love for creativity.

Through her work in civil service, Katie has gained valuable skills—particularly in interpreting complex legal language. “Reading comprehension has tripled since I started,” she jokes, referring to the dense and often lengthy passages in civil service law. She encourages newcomers to take the time to read and familiarize themselves with the local rules and civil service guidelines. “That advice helped me tremendously. Knowing where to find answers is just as important as knowing the answers themselves.”

As for the future of Civil Service? While Katie admits she’s still learning the broader landscape, she does note one area for improvement: “The process for appendix amendments feels overly drawn out and inefficient. Streamlining that could help cities like ours implement necessary changes more quickly.”

When she’s not working or volunteering, Katie enjoys an active lifestyle filled with weightlifting, hiking, and soccer. She also has a love for musical theatre and cooking—two creative outlets that balance her professional and civic responsibilities.

Katie D’Amico’s story is a reminder that passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn can take you far—even into the unfamiliar world of civil service. Her commitment to her community, both in and outside of work, is an inspiration to those just beginning their journey.