After 27 years of dedicated public service, the New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO) proudly recognizes and congratulates Laurie Leonard, Personnel Officer for Cortland County, on her well-earned retirement!

For more than a quarter of a century, Laurie has been a steadfast leader and trusted professional within the Cortland County Personnel/Civil Service Department. A lifelong resident of Cortland County, her deep connection to the community has been evident in her unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and excellence in public service.

Laurie’s career is a true reflection of perseverance and growth. She spent 17 years serving as Deputy Personnel Officer before her appointment as Personnel Officer in May 2021. Throughout her tenure, she played an integral role in shaping policies and practices that strengthened the workplace, including her contributions to committees focused on violence prevention, safety, and compensation. Her work consistently reflected a thoughtful and proactive approach to creating effective and supportive work environments.

One of Laurie’s most notable personal achievements was earning her Master’s Degree in Labor Policy Studies from Empire State College while balancing the responsibilities of full-time work and raising a family. This accomplishment speaks volumes about her determination, discipline, and commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Laurie has long been a respected voice in the civil service community, known for her insight and perspective. She has often encouraged those entering the field to be patient and to understand the broader impact of their work, recognizing that every action within civil service is interconnected. Her thoughtful approach extended to her views on the future of civil service, where she advocated for modernization and flexibility to better meet today’s workforce challenges.

Beyond her professional achievements, Laurie has embraced a full and meaningful life outside of work. She enjoys traveling, playing the piano, and reading. In retirement, she looks forward to an exciting new chapter: relocating to Nebraska to be closer to her two adult children and her first grandchild, with family taking center stage.

Laurie Leonard leaves behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for the people and systems she served. Her contributions have made a lasting impact not only in Cortland County but across the civil service community.

On behalf of NYSAPCSO, we extend our sincere gratitude for Laurie’s years of service and wish her all the best in this next chapter. Congratulations on your retirement, Laurie! You have truly earned it!