Katie Harvey is a dedicated public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to her community and a passion for modernizing civil service. Born and raised in Orleans County, Katie still calls the area home alongside her husband and their six-year-old daughter. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport, Katie began her professional career in banking, serving as an Assistant Branch Manager before transitioning into public service.

Her civil service journey began in 2013, when—encouraged by her family—she took her first exam. Just a year later, she joined the Orleans County Personnel Office as a Personnel Assistant. Through hard work and dedication, Katie rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Director of Personnel & Self Insurance in March 2020 and stepping into the Director role just two months later—in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, she led her small but mighty department with resilience and a commitment to providing excellent service to employees, appointing authorities, and the public.

Katie’s contributions extend beyond her county office. She is actively involved in her community, serving on the PTA and supporting Donate Life fundraisers—a cause close to her heart as her father is a transplant recipient. She also serves as Treasurer for the New York State Association of Self Insured Counties and is a proud 2023 graduate of the Leadership Orleans program.

When asked about the most valuable skills she’s gained, Katie highlights her strength in employee relations and her ability to guide appointing authorities through the civil service and workers’ compensation processes. Her advice for those new to the field? “Use the network of colleagues that has been created through NYSAPCSO—they are a wealth of knowledge. Become very familiar with your local civil service rules, as you’ll refer to them more than you know!”

Looking toward the future, Katie advocates for innovation: “I’d like to see a focus on modernizing civil service systems, especially through technology, to streamline the examination process and boost recruitment into public service positions.”

Outside of work, Katie enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family—especially cheering on her daughter whether she’s dancing on stage or competing on the soccer field.

Katie Harvey is a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose, adaptability, and heart!