For Kristina Conklin, a career in civil service has been a journey of growth, opportunity, and a commitment to serving the community. From starting in an entry-level clerical position to becoming the Classification Unit Manager for Monroe County, Kristina’s professional path reflects the value of embracing new opportunities, learning along the way, and understanding the people behind the work.

Kristina was born and raised in Rochester, and her pride in New York runs deep. From the excitement of New York City to the beauty of the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls, she appreciates everything the state has to offer. Her personal favorite? The Finger Lakes. It’s a fitting reflection of someone who values both the opportunities found throughout New York and the communities that make it special.

Kristina began her career in Human Resources with Monroe County in 2010, starting in an entry-level clerical position. Since then, she has worked in several areas of the office, including the Exam Unit, Payroll, and the Civil Service Liaison Unit, before moving into Classification. She has served as Classification Unit Manager for more than four years.

Rather than following a single, predetermined path, Kristina advanced by taking advantage of opportunities as they arose. Her experience across multiple units has given her a broad perspective on the work of civil service and the many moving parts involved in supporting a public-sector workforce.

That willingness to learn and grow has also shaped how Kristina approaches the people she serves. Over the course of her career, she has developed an appreciation for the importance of listening, empathy, and patience. She recognizes that every person has a story, and sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is simply take the time to hear it.

As Kristina explains, “I am continually learning to be a better listener, because everyone has their own story to tell and most of the time, they just want to be heard.”

It’s a simple observation with an important message. In civil service, where rules, procedures, and processes are essential, the human element matters just as much. Providing good customer service means more than knowing the answers. It also means approaching people with understanding, treating them with respect, and recognizing that a little empathy can make a meaningful difference.

Kristina’s commitment to public service extends beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of her position. She is proud to work in government and believes in what public servants can accomplish for their communities. While she admits she’s not particularly comfortable tooting her own horn, her perspective speaks volumes about what motivates her.

For Kristina, the value of civil service lies in its purpose: helping government serve the people who depend on it.

She also understands that supporting the civil service system means recognizing where it can improve. A strong believer in merit and fitness, Kristina appreciates the importance of maintaining the principles that make civil service work while adapting to changing times. One area that has particularly frustrated her is the length of the hiring process, from applying for an examination to being appointed from an eligible list. Seeing progress toward shortening those timelines is encouraging, and she looks forward to continued transformation.

For those just beginning their careers in civil service, Kristina offers straightforward advice: “Be patient and ask all the questions.” She acknowledges that civil service can be complicated, but emphasizes that the people doing this work care deeply about getting it right and are willing to help others understand the process.

Outside the office, Kristina enjoys spending time with her husband, a high school math teacher, and their wacky mutt, Lady. Family is important to her, as are reading, traveling, hiking the trails around Monroe County, enjoying good food with friends, and wine tasting in the Finger Lakes.

Kristina’s story is a reminder that a meaningful career doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes, growth comes from taking the opportunities in front of us, learning from different experiences, and remaining open to what comes next. And in public service, the impact of that growth reaches beyond the individual. It helps strengthen the teams, organizations, and communities we serve.

Thank you, Kristina, for sharing your story and for your dedication to Monroe County and the civil service community!