Brittanie Earle Appointed Commissioner of Social Services
Published on July 16, 2025
At the July 15 Legislature meeting, legislators appointed and welcomed Brittanie Earle to her new position as the Commissioner of Social Services, effective July 21, 2025. She brings over 15 years of experience in public service, with a strong foundation in both direct service and leadership roles across sectors, including residential foster care, the juvenile justice system, youth development, municipal government, and emergency crisis response.
Most recently, Ms. Earle has served as Interim Director of the Community Response Team at Cornell University, where she led the development and oversight of a trauma-informed, equitable, non-police crisis intervention model. Her work involved close collaboration with law enforcement, emergency services, and university departments to ensure coordinated, trauma-informed, and equitable crisis response. Her experience includes high-level policy development, interagency collaboration, strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and staff leadership. In addition, Ms. Earle has a demonstrated commitment to equity, public health, and community-centered care that aligns closely with our county's mission.
Her career also includes impactful work with the Ithaca Youth Bureau, the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and Oswego County Opportunities, where she led youth services, managed residential care programs, and implemented trauma-informed care across multiple settings. Brittanie’s ability to build strong community partnerships, mentor staff, and deliver results in high-pressure environments will serve her well in her new role. Ms. Earle also secured nearly $1 million in federal grant funding for initiatives that supported the mental health and well-being of youth and improved public safety.
“I am excited and honored to serve as the next Commissioner of Social Services,” Brittanie Earle stated. “It is a privilege to join a department with such dedicated staff and committed community partners working every day to make a meaningful difference. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and advancing initiatives that center equity, safety, and dignity in service delivery.”
“On behalf of the Tompkins County Legislature, I am honored to welcome Brittanie Earle as our new Commissioner of Social Services,” said Dan Klein, Chair of the Legislature. “Ms. Earle brings a wealth of experience, and we are confident that her strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and ability to foster strong partnerships will be invaluable assets to Tompkins County as we continue our work to support individuals and families across our community. We look forward to the positive impact she will make in this important role.”
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi looks forward to working closely with Ms. Earle to advance the well-being of all Tompkins County residents.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brittanie Earle as Tompkins County’s next Commissioner of Social Services. Brittanie is a proven leader whose breadth of experience positions her exceptionally well to lead one of our county’s most vital departments. Her collaborative, trauma-informed approach and deep understanding of public systems make her uniquely equipped to navigate complex challenges and drive innovative, community-centered solutions.”
The Department of Social Services provides benefits and services to sustain families and individuals in need, primarily through its administration of Federal- and/or State-mandated entitlement programs, as occasionally supplemented by grant- or locally funded initiatives.