Jessica Kaiser’s professional journey is a testament to the power of community, commitment, and continuous growth. While she may not be a native of the City of Oneida, she proudly considers it home—a place where she’s lived for over 24 years, raised her family, and built a life centered around service.

Jessica is a proud mother of two, Matthew (14) and Everly (11), and has been married to her husband Matt for 15 years. Her decision to settle in the City of Oneida was intentional and deeply personal: “This was where I wanted to buy a home and eventually raise my children. I truly love the City of Oneida and its small-town appeal,” she shares.

After a successful 15-year career in banking, Jessica was faced with a tough decision in 2017: relocate out of state to remain with her employer or seek a new path. Choosing to stay rooted in her community and be present for her young children, she took a leap into public service. She began as a part-time Account Clerk with the City of Oneida Finance Department and quickly advanced to Deputy City Comptroller just six months later.

Over time, Jessica’s responsibilities expanded, particularly in the area of personnel. Due to retirements and challenges in recruitment, the Finance Office absorbed many human resources functions. Recognizing the importance of effective Civil Service administration, Jessica was appointed Executive Secretary to the Civil Service Commission in March 2023. In this role, she oversees Civil Service operations for all City departments, including Police, Fire, the public library, the housing authority, and the school district.

Her leadership and organizational insight have led to one of her proudest accomplishments: creating a structured onboarding process for new City employees. But it’s not just the processes she’s proud of—it’s the people. “The trust and rapport I’ve built with City of Oneida employees and management is, by far, my greatest achievement,” Jessica says.

Her approach to public service is rooted in empathy and communication. Through her work, she’s developed strong conflict resolution, mediation, and listening skills, which she finds essential in human resources. “These skills have helped me build personal relationships with each of our employees,” she explains.

Jessica’s contributions go beyond her workplace. She is a member of the New York State Society of Municipal Finance Officers (NYSMFO) and previously served with the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc. from 2019 to 2021.

When asked what advice she would give to someone new in civil service, Jessica emphasizes the importance of relationships: “Start building trust from day one. Difficult conversations are part of the job, but when trust exists, they become easier to navigate.”

Looking to the future, Jessica sees a need for modernization in the Civil Service system. She believes that paper-based, multiple-choice exams are outdated and discourage potential applicants. “Implementing computerized exams with same-day scoring, focused on training and experience, would attract a broader and more qualified applicant pool,” she suggests.

Outside of work, Jessica’s world revolves around her family. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines of her son’s football game or traveling for her daughter’s basketball tournaments, she is deeply involved in her children’s lives. As a family, they enjoy swimming, concerts, and spending time with their beloved dog, Bryan.

Jessica Kaiser is more than just a public servant—she is a cornerstone of her community, a dedicated professional, and an advocate for progress. Her story is a reminder of the value in choosing service, staying local, and making a difference right where you are!