With nearly 26 years dedicated to Civil Service, Beth Mortas exemplifies commitment, adaptability, and service—both within government and throughout her community. Her career journey reflects not only professional growth, but a deep respect for the complexity and purpose of New York State’s Civil Service system.

Beth will begin her 26th year in Civil Service on January 21st. Before entering public service, she served as Director of Accounting and Human Resources in the private sector. Seeking a healthier work-life balance after years of extremely long hours, Beth applied for a Personnel Clerk position with Cortland County—despite it being a pay cut and under the (later disproven) assumption that public sector personnel work would mirror private HR. As many in Civil Service can relate, she quickly learned just how unique and complex the system truly is.

Starting with application reviews, orientations, and a variety of personnel functions, Beth was promoted to Personnel Technician in 2005 and went on to graduate from the Civil Service Institute (CSI) in February 2006. After relocating to Clay in 2010, an unexpected phone call from the Director of Civil Service Administration at Onondaga County—despite Beth not appearing for an exam—led to an interview and her hiring as a Personnel Officer in July 2010. In June 2022, she was promoted to Personnel Technician III and placed in charge of the Exams Unit.

Beth has now served Onondaga County for 15½ years. In her current role as Personnel Technician III, she works directly under the Director of Civil Service Administration. She has been solely responsible for the County’s annual report for the past 13 years, manages the Exams Unit, and provides Civil Service Administration support to 20 County and non-County departments and agencies.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Beth’s dedication to service extends deeply into her community. She currently volunteers as a Reiki practitioner with Clear Path for Veterans, serves on the Board of Directors for the 1890 House Museum in Cortland, NY, and is an Executive Committee Member of NYSAPCSO. She is also a past President of NYSAPCSO. Her extensive past volunteer work includes leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Francis House, youth ministry, multiple wellness committees, and serving as Treasurer of the Homer Music Boosters.

Beth’s achievements are as diverse as they are impressive. She is an Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Ryoho Master and a legally ordained minister—having officiated her son and daughter-in-law’s wedding. She received the 2018 Bonnie Ann Heath Volunteer Award for outstanding support of the American Red Cross and the 2024 Civil Service Ambassador Award from NYS Civil Service. Beth is also a graduate of the Onondaga County Leadership Academy, completed Advanced Transactions in the ACES program, is a Notary Public, and a member in good standing of the Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society.

Throughout her career, Beth values her ability to think creatively within the bounds of the law to help agencies achieve their goals. She prides herself on being empathetic to both applicants and agencies, while remaining firm in upholding Civil Service Law. Most of all, she treasures the relationships built along the way—fondly recalling conference memories like “Paul playing Moses with the Civil Service Commandments” and her team’s victory over Frank’s in Civil Service Family Feud.

For those new to Civil Service, Beth offers honest and encouraging advice: New York State Civil Service is an extraordinarily complex system that cannot be mastered quickly. Learning never stops, no one knows everything, and patience—with yourself and others—is essential. She strongly encourages leaning on colleagues and NYSAPCSO for support, reminding newcomers that they are never truly alone, even when the job feels isolating.

If Beth could change one thing about the Civil Service system, it would be modernization. While encouraged by current transformation efforts, she believes the system—first enacted in 1883—would benefit from a comprehensive, holistic overhaul rather than piecemeal changes, to better reflect today’s workforce and work culture.

Outside of work, Beth has a passion that surprises many—she is a paranormal investigator and co-founder of Lost Souls Paranormal Investigations, and she manages the Haunted Tully Lodge in Tully, NY.

Beth Mortas’ career is a testament to professionalism, service, humor, and heart. NYSAPCSO is proud to spotlight her continued contributions to Civil Service and the many communities she serves!