This Feature Friday, we’re shining the spotlight on Rachel Reis, Personnel Officer for Seneca County!

Rachel’s career journey is a great example of how the skills we develop along the way can open doors to new opportunities. She spent 18 years with Welch Allyn, working in manufacturing, customer support, and technical support while earning her bachelor’s degree. She then made the move into human resources with Cayuga County, where she spent six years progressing from HR Associate to Senior HR Associate. Along the way, Rachel continued to grow, earning her MBA from LeMoyne College, her SHRM-CP, and graduating from Leadership Cayuga.

In March 2026, Rachel began her newest chapter as Seneca County’s Personnel Officer.

One experience that has continued to serve her well is her background in customer service. As Rachel puts it, “My customer service skills have served me well moving into human resources, it helps with many daily interactions.”

For those beginning their careers in civil service, Rachel offers some simple—and valuable—advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take notes, making mistakes is how we learn sometimes.” She also recommends stepping away from an email before sending it and coming back with fresh eyes.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys reading, swimming, LEGO sets, crafts, cooking, and puzzles. She also shares her home with three dogs—a Lab, German Shepherd, and Dachshund.
Looking ahead, Rachel hopes to see civil service become more accessible and better understood by the public. She believes we need to do more to educate people about the opportunities available in municipal government—and especially find ways to bring more young people into the field to help sustain our local government services.

From Welch Allyn to Cayuga County and now Seneca County, Rachel’s story is one of growth, learning, and taking the skills you’ve gained along the way into the next chapter.

Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your story—and for the work you’re doing to serve Seneca County! 👏