Episodes

Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
This Director’s Cut episode features an in-depth conversation on federal actions that are directly impacting New York’s counties. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Matt Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). They discuss shifting federal immigration policy, the implications of proposed Medicaid and SNAP reforms, as well as the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, federal budget reconciliation efforts, and the role of counties in providing essential services.

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Experience Wanted: Raising the Cap for Retired Public Servants
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
This episode features a conversation on Senate Bill 6956 (Ryan)/Assembly Bill 8720 (Stirpe), which would raise the earnings cap for retired public employees who return to work in public service, increasing the limit from $35,000 to $50,000. NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by Tom Tatun, Executive Director of the Retired Public Employees Association to discuss how this legislation can help address urgent workforce shortages while supporting retirees who are ready to step back into public service.

Friday May 30, 2025
Hope & Help: County-led Opioid Abatement Campaigns
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
This episode of County Conversations focuses on how counties can fight the opioid epidemic and reduce stigma around substance use disorders. NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is joined by Cheryl Moore, Independent Consultant at Opioid Consulting, and Amanda Lucchino, Director of Business Development at Trellis Marketing. They discuss how counties can effectively engage residents in opioid abatement efforts through personalized, data-driven public awareness campaigns.

Friday Apr 18, 2025
Purchasing Powering Employment
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
This episode features a conversation with Maureen O’Brien, President and CEO of the New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID). The episode features a celebration of NYSID’s 50th anniversary, and focuses on how partnerships with counties and local governments across New York State are driving economic impact, enhancing community inclusion, and fostering a strong statewide workforce.

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Centennial Celebrations
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
This Director’s Cut episode features a conversation on celebrations planned for NYSAC's centennial year in 2025. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Benjamin Boykin II, Westchester County legislator and President of NYSAC to discuss upcoming events, historic research, and a vision of the past 100 years of service to counties.

Monday Dec 30, 2024
2025 Economic Outlook with three+one
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
For our last episode of the year, NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three+one. This episode provides a financial outlook for county leaders, and a forecast for the year ahead in 2025.

Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Battling the Whitehouse Fire in Ulster County
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
This Director’s Cut episode features a conversation on emergency management during the Whitehouse fire in Ulster County. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger to discuss what the emergency response entailed and preparations for future emergencies.

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
This Director’s Cut episode features a conversation on emergency management during the recent Jennings Creek wildfire. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus to discuss response strategies and what was involved in battling the wildfire and keeping residents safe.

Monday Oct 21, 2024
Strategies for Workforce Hiring and Management
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
This episode features a conversation on the evolving dynamics in hiring and workforce management. Joining NYSAC Intern Maya Rotman is Ian Coyle, Livingston County Administrator, and public management consultant. They discuss the importance of proactive engagement, effective communication, and strategic planning to attract and retain a skilled county workforce.

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Operation Green Light for Veterans
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
This episode highlights Operation Green Light, an initiative that shows support for our nation's veterans, raises awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocates for legislation that will strengthen counties' ability to support veterans. Joining NYSAC’s Communications Manager Tom Oldfather NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario, as well as Michael Middaugh, Director of the Tioga County Veterans Service Agency and President of the NYS County Veterans Service Officers Association.