For this edition of our Member Spotlight, we are proud to highlight the dedication and experience of Dawn Jarvis, a long-standing civil service professional whose commitment to fairness, adaptability, and service has made a lasting impact in Franklin County.

Dawn’s story begins in Fort Covington, New York, where she was raised and graduated high school in 1992. She went on to attend North Country Community College, earning her Associate’s Degree in 1997. Not long after, she began what would become a remarkable career in public service.

Dawn has spent her entire professional career with Franklin County’s Personnel Department, beginning as a Clerk on October 30, 2000. Through her hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Personnel Assistant in 2004 – a role she continues to serve in today. As of March 26, 2026, Dawn has achieved an impressive milestone of over 25 years of service to Franklin County, a testament to her commitment and passion for civil service.

Her involvement with the New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO) has also been an important part of her professional journey, allowing her to stay connected, informed, and engaged within the broader civil service community.

When reflecting on her achievements, Dawn is quick to highlight what matters most to her – her family. She takes great pride in her two sons, who have grown into hardworking and responsible adults, pursuing careers in Information Technology and HVAC. She also recognizes her husband, Bryan, for his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication. Professionally, Dawn was honored to receive the NYSAPCSO Merit & Fitness Award in 2023, a recognition she describes as both unexpected and deeply appreciated.

Throughout her career, Dawn has developed a key skill that stands out above the rest: adaptability. In a field like civil service – where policies, procedures, and expectations are constantly evolving – her ability to adjust and move forward has been essential. She acknowledges that change can be challenging, but approaches it with a mindset of growth, understanding that every experience is an opportunity to improve.

For those new to civil service, Dawn offers thoughtful and practical advice: be patient, remain fair, and never stop asking questions. She emphasizes that the complexity of civil service takes time to fully understand and that many outside the system may not always grasp its purpose. However, these processes exist to ensure fairness and equity – core principles that guide the work of professionals like Dawn every day.

Looking ahead, Dawn offers thoughtful insight into potential improvements within the civil service system. She suggests that professional licensing could, in some cases, serve as sufficient qualification for certain roles, potentially reducing the need for additional examinations. She also acknowledges the intent behind the HELP Program, while raising important considerations around fairness – particularly the differences in evaluation methods between promotional and external candidates. Her perspective reflects both her experience and her continued commitment to strengthening the system.

Outside of work, Dawn enjoys a well-rounded and relaxed lifestyle. She has been a fan of video games since her teenage years and now enjoys playing games on her phone. She also loves reading and spending time with her pets – four cats and two dogs. In fact, three of her cats were once stray kittens that she and her husband took in, reflecting her compassion and care beyond the workplace.

Dawn Jarvis exemplifies the values of dedication, fairness, and continuous growth. Her 25+ years of service, combined with her thoughtful approach to both her work and the broader civil service system, make her a truly valued member of the NYSAPCSO community!