Empowering Communities: Visionary Women Leading Health and Human Services Innovation in New York
TipCo Automated Systems is proud to partner with a group of visionary leaders in the health and human services (HHS) sector, particularly women who are spearheading change in their communities. These leaders recognize the pressing challenges faced by their county departments, including critical worker shortages and increased demand for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They see the need for more efficient and supportive technology to address these issues effectively.
Rather than merely acknowledging these challenges, these women are actively seeking solutions. They are embracing technology to revolutionize their departments and better support their communities. TipCo’s EVA solution is instrumental in assisting several New York Commissioners like Stacy Alvord of Oswego County, Karen Marcum of Jefferson County, Christine Peters of Clinton County, and Kira Pospesel of Greene County in their work, enhancing efficiency and accuracy to serve their communities more effectively.
These leaders have valuable insights gained from their experience, enabling them to discern what outdated practices no longer serve their departments or communities. By embracing change and leveraging technology, they are driving positive transformation for their workers and the people they serve. Their proactive approach sets an example for others in the HHS realm, showcasing the power of innovation and leadership in addressing societal challenges.
Profiles of Influential Leaders in New York’s County HHS Departments
Oswego County—Commissioner Stacy Alvord
Commissioner Stacy Alvord of the Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS) has recently announced her retirement, culminating eight years of dedicated service in this role. Since assuming the commissioner position in 2016, Alvord has been a driving force behind initiatives aimed at enhancing the department’s effectiveness and improving the well-being of the community. Notably, she set a five-year goal to reduce the rate of child maltreatment, demonstrating her commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and severe staffing shortages, Alvord’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating these obstacles and ensuring the continued provision of essential services. With a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in public justice from SUNY Oswego, Alvord brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her extensive background includes serving as the Lewis County DSS Commissioner and holding various positions in the field of human services. Throughout her distinguished 44-year career in public service, Alvord has remained dedicated to her mission of helping families thrive and improving community well-being. As she transitions into retirement, her legacy of compassion and dedication will undoubtedly endure, leaving an indelible mark on the Oswego County community and beyond.
Jefferson County—Commissioner Karen Marcum
Commissioner Karen Marcum brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to her role as the head of the Jefferson County DSS. With a background in labor and industrial relations, Marcum has dedicated herself to serving the community and addressing the challenges facing DSS. She is focused on executing a plan of action to address recent investigations into the department, recognizing the importance of involving staff in decision-making processes. Marcum understands the complexities of leading a social services agency and acknowledges the significance of maintaining high staff morale. Her hands-on approach and dedication to fostering collaboration within the department demonstrates her readiness to tackle the responsibilities of her role head on. With her leadership, Marcum is poised to make a positive impact on the Jefferson County community and the individuals served by DSS.
Clinton County—Commissioner Christine Peters
Christine Peters brings over 20 years of dedicated service to Clinton County, recently assuming the role of Commissioner for DSS. Prior to her commissioner appointment, Peters served as the director of Legal and Social Services for the county, overseeing various units within DSS. Her extensive experience includes roles as a social services attorney, an AmeriCorps intern, and a private practitioner. Peters, a Peru, New York native, holds degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh and Vermont Law School. She is deeply rooted in the North Country community, residing with her family in Peru.
Peters’ leadership is characterized by her commitment to client empowerment and employee support, evidenced by her open-door policy and collaborative approach. She succeeds John Redden as commissioner, aiming to continue his legacy of respect, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. Peters emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and fiscal responsibility, alongside a focus on child welfare and trauma-informed schooling. With her passion for problem-solving and dedication to serving the community, Peters looks forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead in her new role.
Greene County—Commissioner Kira Pospesel
Kira Pospesel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Commissioner of the Greene County DSS. With a background in nursing and health services administration, Pospesel has been a prominent figure in the field for decades. Her journey began with her graduation from Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital’s nursing school in 1984, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and a master’s degree from Sage Graduate School at Russel Sage College in 2001.
Pospesel’s dedication to public service led her to various leadership roles within Greene County. In 2004, she was appointed as the Commissioner of Social Services, succeeding Carol Wallace. Prior to this appointment, Pospesel served as the administrator of Central Assessment, where she was committed to fiscal prudence and accountability. Throughout her tenure, she oversaw numerous home care programs and played a crucial role in promoting community health initiatives.
As a respected leader in the field, Pospesel has also been actively involved in professional organizations, serving as the past president of the New York Public Welfare Association (NYPWA) and chair of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Medicaid & Human Services Committee. With her experience and dedication to serving the community, Pospesel continues to make significant contributions to social services in Greene County.
Conclusion
The partnerships among TipCo Automated Services and these visionary leaders in New York’s HHS sector represent a beacon of hope and progress for their communities. By actively seeking solutions and embracing innovative technology, Commissioners Stacy Alvord, Karen Marcum, Christine Peters, and Kira Pospesel are driving positive transformation in their respective counties. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to serving the community exemplify the transformative power of leadership and innovation in addressing societal challenges. As they continue to navigate complex issues and advocate for their communities, their proactive approach sets a compelling example for others in the field, inspiring positive change and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.