Bobby Bushinger is a dedicated public servant whose career spans civil service, human resources, and military service—all rooted in a strong commitment to community and country. With a career marked by leadership, compassion, and discipline, Bobby’s story is one of purposeful service both in and out of uniform.

Bobby is married to Jeni, a dedicated middle school teacher, and together they are proud parents to three amazing daughters—Catherine, Emily, and Annabelle. His educational background is as impressive as his career trajectory: a BS in Business Management from St. John Fisher College, an MBA from St. Bonaventure, an Accounting Certificate from St. John Fisher, and an SPHR Certification earned in 2016.

His path to public service began with an Army ROTC scholarship, leading to years of service in the Army National Guard and Reserves. In 2013, he reentered military service with the Air National Guard, where he continues to serve today as a Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). Bobby has completed two deployments to the Middle East, stationed in Al Udeid, Qatar in 2019 and 2023. In 2023, he was named First Sergeant of the Year for the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse—a testament to his leadership and dedication.

Bobby joined Allegany County Human Resources & Civil Service in 2008 as a Human Resources Specialist and was promoted to Personnel Officer in 2014. He also chairs both the County Safety and County Wellness Committees, playing a central role in shaping a healthy and safe work environment for county employees.

Outside of his day job, Bobby is a tireless advocate for veterans. He serves as Co-Director of Allegany County’s Dwyer Program for Veterans, an ESGR Ombudsman, and a certified Veteran Services Officer through the American Legion. He is an active member of the American Legion, Allegany County Veteran’s Organization, and the Freemasons.

A unique passion of his includes being a member of the Round Canopy Parachuting Team (RCPT), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of Allied Airborne Forces. Bobby recently completed a commemorative jump in Florida—proving his commitment to honoring history is more than symbolic; it’s hands-on.

When asked what skills have proven most valuable in his civil service work, Bobby points to soft skills—active listening, empathy, and the ability to identify root causes rather than focusing solely on symptoms. “In HR and civil service, we spend an enormous amount of our time putting out dumpster fires,” he says, highlighting the need for strategic thinking and prioritization.

His advice for newcomers to the field? Never stop learning. “The work we do is nuanced, complicated, and always evolving. Stay humble. Mistakes happen—but what matters most is doing what’s right and learning from every experience.”

If given the chance to implement changes to the civil service system, Bobby would advocate for stronger enforcement authority under Civil Service Law to ensure greater accountability among appointing authorities. He also supports the development of a unified statewide Civil Service software platform, noting that “it sounds like we may be moving closer to that.”

When he’s not serving his community or jumping out of airplanes, Bobby is a passionate outdoorsman. He enjoys archery, firearms, and muzzleloader hunting, as well as coin collecting—a hobby that reflects his appreciation for history and detail.

Bobby Budinger embodies the spirit of public service—grounded in discipline, strengthened by compassion, and driven by a commitment to make a difference. Whether on the ground in Allegany County or midair in a tribute to airborne heroes, his contributions remind us all what it means to lead with purpose!