Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes has announced that she will be retiring from the position at the end of 2024. Holmes has served in the permanent role since March of 2022, having previously served as Interim County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, and Director of the County’s Office for the Aging (COFA). Holmes’ career in local government started in 1998 at COFA. Holmes also served as the organization’s interim Human Resources Commissioner for 18 months, including during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holmes reflected on her career in public service, stating “I’m fortunate to have had what will be a 26-year career with Tompkins County, with the last 6 being in County Administration, as Deputy County Administrator, Interim HR Commissioner, Interim County Administrator and County Administrator. I took on each of these roles to offer stability and leadership to the organization during a time of rapid change. Being the County Administrator has certainly been a privilege and the pinnacle of my career in public service, and I’ll continue giving the role my best effort until my retirement.”
Holmes added, “We’re still in a period of rapid change, with the County at the forefront of addressing many local challenges while simultaneously implementing several capital projects. At the same time, the County organization is strong, and I know that when I leave, the organization will be well equipped to continue facing these challenges. We have talented staff and departmental leaders who are true public servants; we have up-to-date policies and procedures that guide us, we’re in a strong fiscal position, and we’ll have a strategic operations plan to offer a roadmap of priorities for the next 3-5 years.”
Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, Dan Klein thanked Holmes for her leadership, “The County has had a steady and measured leader in Lisa, we’ll be lucky to find those qualities in the next Administrator. Thank you, Lisa, for your expert management of many priorities for the County. I speak for the whole Legislature when I say that we are fortunate to have your expertise throughout 2024 as we plan for the future and welcoming the next County Administrator.”
The Tompkins County Administrator is responsible for management of the organization’s budget and nearly 30 departments. The role is appointed by the Tompkins County Legislature and oversees and coordinates the operations of County government to successfully carry out the policies and procedures established by the County Legislature.