The New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO) is proud to announce a meaningful and long-awaited change: the NYSAPCSO Mentorship Program has officially been renamed The Paul Eldridge Mentorship Program — a tribute to one of the most influential figures in modern New York State civil service history! Paul announced that he will be retiring from public service in January of 2026.
This renaming is far more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the heart, spirit, and purpose of the program itself: guiding through service, a principle embodied by Paul throughout his extraordinary career.
Honoring Nearly 50 Years of Dedicated Service
For nearly half a century, Paul Eldridge has been a pillar of excellence in public service. As Putnam County’s Personnel Officer, Paul cultivated a reputation for unwavering integrity, deep institutional knowledge, and a leadership style grounded in humility and compassion. His impact extends far beyond his office walls — it lives in the many professionals he mentored, encouraged, and inspired along the way.
Paul’s approach to leadership was simple but profound: invest in people. He believed that empowering others was essential not only for professional development, but for the long-term strength and continuity of public service statewide.
Countless officers across New York discovered their purpose and potential because Paul took the time to guide them. Naming the mentorship program in his honor ensures that his legacy of service continues to shape the next generation of civil service professionals.
About The Paul Eldridge Mentorship Program
The Paul Eldridge Mentorship Program carries forward the values Paul championed his entire career — connection, guidance, and growth. The program pairs experienced Personnel and Civil Service Officers with new officers entering the profession, nurturing a statewide culture where collaboration supports success.
According to the program materials, the mentorship structure is intentionally personalized and impactful:
- Thoughtful mentor-mentee pairing based on geography, job responsibilities, and professional interests
- A formal one-year commitment, with flexibility to continue informally
- Clear expectations around communication and meeting style
- A focus on professional development, networking, and personalized guidance
The program’s mission is simple: to support, empower, and elevate new Personnel and Civil Service Officers across New York State while strengthening the professional community Paul helped foster. The Paul Eldridge Mentorship Pr…
Why Mentorship Matters Now More Than Ever
Entering the civil service profession can be challenging — steep learning curves, complex laws and rules, and the pressure of making decisions that impact entire communities. Mentorship bridges this gap by offering:
- Accelerated learning through real-world experience
- Greater confidence and retention among new officers
- A stronger statewide network built on shared knowledge and best practices
- Support during challenging assignments or transitions
These factors were central to Paul’s philosophy: that no professional should navigate this career alone, and that shared wisdom strengthens the entire system.
A Lasting Tribute to a Lasting Legacy
Renaming the program in Paul Eldridge’s honor is not just a recognition of his accomplishments — it is a promise to carry forward his belief in investing in people. Through The Paul Eldridge Mentorship Program, every new officer will benefit from the same spirit of guidance and encouragement that Paul generously offered throughout his career.
His legacy lives on in every mentoring relationship built, every career strengthened, and every new officer who discovers their passion for public service through the support of another!
New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO) 
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