Originally from South Jersey, Carole Ruiz began her professional journey in banking before being recruited to serve as a Legal Assistant for an attorney in Cherry Hill, NJ. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Davis College with the original goal of attending law school — a goal she still keeps…

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, as part of a large Italian-American family, Angela Sapienza was instilled with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community from an early age. Her academic path was as diverse as her professional journey: she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science,…

With more than 25 years of experience in human resources, Linda Parke has built her career around supporting employees, navigating complex labor relations, and ensuring fair and effective workplace practices. Her passion lies in helping people thrive within their organizations while maintaining transparency and compliance in every aspect of personnel…

Heather Foster-Barrigar has dedicated over a decade of service to St. Lawrence County Human Resources and was recently appointed as Personnel Officer this past July. Heather’s career in civil service is rooted in both passion and purpose, as she has always found fulfillment in helping others navigate the complexities of…

For more than three decades, Steve Billings has dedicated his career to public service in Herkimer County. A lifelong resident of the county, Steve currently lives in Dolgeville, NY, with his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Ainsley. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport and has…

The New York State Association of Personnel and Civil Service Officers (NYSAPCSO) is proud to shine a spotlight on our valued partner, Chris Dancy, widely recognized as “the most connected man on earth.” Known globally for his pioneering work at the intersection of technology, data, and human connection, Chris has…

For Julie Diescher, a career in Human Resources was a natural calling. Drawn to the opportunity to help others—whether through benefits, professional development, or ensuring a respectful and equitable workplace—Julie has dedicated more than two decades to the HR field. Her journey began in the insurance industry, extended through a…