County Conversations

Civil Service, Coaching, and Leadership with Paul Eldridge

In this episode, NYSAC’s Patrick Cummings is joined by longtime friend and mentor Paul Eldridge, Putnam County Personnel Officer. With more than four decades of leadership in Putnam County and a career that spans nearly 50 years, Paul has been a pillar of the civil service community in New York State. From civil service law to mentoring the next generation, Paul shares lessons learned, career highlights, and advice for county leaders navigating complex challenges.

This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

2026 Economic Outlook for County Leaders

In this year-end episode of County Conversations, NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison, Co-Founder of three+one, for an annual economic outlook. Together, they review the surprises, shifts, and standout trends that defined 2025, and forecast what county leaders need to know as they prepare for 2026. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

Modernizing Medication Disposal by Curbing Waste and Risk

This episode of features a conversation with NYSAC’s Kate Pierce-Nimz, joined by Jordan Brown of Rx Destroyer, to explore how counties can strengthen public health, protect waterways, and support residents through safe medication disposal. From bridging gaps in take-back programs to offering easy, at-home solutions, Jordan explains how innovative tools and local partnerships can reduce harm, empower communities, and advance countywide environmental and public safety goals. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

Introducing NYSAC President Phil Church

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario and Philip Church, newly elected NYSAC President and Oswego County Administrator. They discuss Phil’s journey in county government, the challenges and opportunities of regional economic development, as well as NYSAC priorities for the year ahead. This episode is sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York and their Plugging In podcast.

Short-Term Rentals, Local Solutions: Building Registries That Work for Counties

This episode features a conversation that unpacks New York’s updated short-term rental law and what it means for counties across the state. NYSAC Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Nick Del Pego, CEO of Deckard Technologies to discuss the practical benefits of establishing a short-term rental registry and a clear roadmap for local leaders navigating compliance, education, and enforcement. 

Federal Budget Shifts, Immigration, and Medicaid: NACo’s Matt Chase Talks County Impacts

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.

Experience Wanted: Raising the Cap for Retired Public Servants

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.

Hope & Help: County-led Opioid Abatement Campaigns

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.

Purchasing Powering Employment

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 50^th 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.

Centennial Celebrations

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.