A proud Buffalo native, Deborah Makowski has always been guided by her roots, her family, and her love of connection. Sixteen years ago, she made Chautauqua County her home—a place where she has built both a meaningful life and career. The middle child of three girls, Deborah grew up surrounded by music, a passion she inherited from her father, an avid vinyl collector who owns three working jukeboxes. Some of her fondest memories include Saturday mornings spent visiting record stores in downtown Buffalo, selecting “oldies” and songs she loved from the radio.

Family remains central in her life. Her parents and in-laws still live in Buffalo, and she and her husband of 21 years share their home—and hearts—with their beloved Golden Retriever, Rae. Deborah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Buffalo State University, where she first discovered her passion for Human Resources while working in collections for a major bank.

That spark ignited a 25-year career in Human Resources, spanning industries such as banking, manufacturing, higher education, and healthcare. Her journey through the private sector provided her with a strong foundation in HR best practices and the confidence to uphold integrity in every decision. Today, Deborah proudly serves in her first public sector role as Director of Human Resources and Compliance Officer for Chautauqua County, marking her introduction to Civil Service.

In this role—held for just over three years—she leads a talented team of twelve professionals who oversee all facets of HR operations. Their responsibilities include recruitment, insurance and benefits administration, employee and labor relations for five unions, Civil Service administration for both County and municipal entities, employee orientation, and workplace investigations. Together, they support nearly 1,500 County employees and 67 municipalities, encompassing more than 6,800 employees across Chautauqua County.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Deborah serves as Chair of the Chautauqua County Compliance Committee and is a member of the County Executive’s Cabinet, where she contributes to key organizational initiatives and policy discussions. She is also an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which helps her stay connected to the broader HR community and bring innovative practices back to her organization. Among her professional accomplishments, Deborah proudly holds the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) credential—an achievement that reflects her expertise and commitment to the field.

When reflecting on her career, Deborah notes that her transition into the public sector has been both humbling and transformative. “Moving into government and Civil Service stretched me in new ways,” she explains. “I’ve learned the value of adaptability, humility, and collaboration. I’m not afraid to admit when I don’t have all the answers—and I’ve come to rely on my team’s expertise as we navigate new processes together.”

Her advice for those new to Civil Service is both thoughtful and practical: “Start by mastering the fundamentals of Human Resources—they’re the foundation of everything else. Take the time to truly listen and understand how Civil Service fits into the bigger picture. Build trust early and protect it fiercely. Use data to guide decisions, but never lose sight of the human element in HR. Stay calm, stay curious, and never stop learning.” She also reminds professionals that HR requires balance—advocating at times for the employee, and at others for the organization or policy—each role essential to fairness and integrity.

If Deborah could make one improvement to the Civil Service system, it would be to modernize the exam process by transitioning to electronic testing. Her vision would see local Civil Service offices administering computer-based exams, mirroring the SHRM certification testing model—where candidates receive immediate preliminary results and finalized scores within weeks. “My background in manufacturing taught me the importance of identifying and eliminating bottlenecks,” she says. “In Civil Service, that bottleneck is the exam process. Moving to electronic testing would streamline operations, increase efficiency, and enhance the candidate experience.”

Outside of work, Deborah finds joy and peace in the simplicity of home life. Living on 33 scenic acres, she cherishes the quiet and balance it brings after busy workdays filled with conversations, meetings, and problem-solving. She and her husband love to travel, and after a 2019 trip to Aruba—their first venture outside the U.S.—they made a tradition of returning each year. A lifelong Buffalo Sabres fan, she also enjoys cheering on the Buffalo Bills, hosting family dinners, and attending concerts of every genre—from Metallica and KISS to Beyoncé, Pink, Ariana Grande, and Little River Band.

From her roots in Buffalo to her leadership in Chautauqua County, Deborah’s career reflects dedication, innovation, and a genuine commitment to people. Her story is a reminder that whether in the private or public sector, great leadership begins with heart, humility, and a love for the work that connects us all!