For this edition of our Member Spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Tina Shields, Civil Service Coordinator for Chenango County.

For Tina, Civil Service has provided opportunities to grow professionally while staying true to what has always mattered most—serving others, building relationships, and continuing to learn.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Tina moved to Upstate New York as a teenager, where she immersed herself in choir, jazz band, concert band, and marching band. Looking back, those experiences did more than nurture her creativity—they taught her the value of teamwork, communication, and working toward a common goal. After graduating, she spent many years in customer service, developing a passion for helping people that would later become the foundation of her career in public service.

Tina began her public service career as a Deputy Election Commissioner in Chenango County’s Board of Elections before joining the Human Resources and Civil Service Department. Along the way, she has gained a deep understanding of county government, Civil Service operations, and the importance of supporting both employees and the community.

One of Tina’s proudest accomplishments came in 2025 when she returned to school and earned her Associate’s Degree from SUNY Morrisville—a goal she had carried with her for many years.

“Earning this degree had been a long-standing goal of mine, and with the encouragement and support of my colleagues, I finally committed to making it a reality.”

That achievement wasn’t simply about earning a diploma. It was proof that growth doesn’t have a deadline and that the encouragement of those around us can make all the difference.

When asked what has contributed most to her success, Tina points to her ability to adapt, communicate, and listen. In a profession where priorities constantly shift and every situation brings new challenges, she has learned that flexibility and strong relationships are invaluable.

Her advice to those beginning a career in Civil Service is both simple and powerful:

“It takes time. Nothing in Civil Service is ‘simple’… Learn as much as you can, build strong relationships with your colleagues, and be a team player.”

Outside the office, Tina enjoys spending time outdoors with her family—whether she’s golfing, fishing, riding UTVs through the woods, taking walks, or searching for unique treasures in antique and thrift stores.

As Chenango County continues to evolve, Tina is excited about helping modernize processes while preserving the values that make Civil Service such an important part of local government.

Tina’s story reminds us that growth rarely happens all at once. It happens through every new challenge accepted, every lesson learned, and every person who encourages us to keep moving forward.

Sometimes, the next step is all it takes to begin something you’ve always hoped to achieve.

#FeatureFriday