In its regular meeting on March 17, the Tompkins County Legislature voted to appoint Lisa Holmes as the next permanent Tompkins County Administrator. This appointment follows Holmes having served as Interim Tompkins County Administrator since May of 2021.
Prior to her time in the interim role Holmes has had a long career serving in county government, having started in 1998 at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, eventually becoming the Department’s leader before becoming Deputy County Administrator in 2018. Holmes also served as the organization’s interim Human Resources Director for 18 months, including during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lisa Holmes is the first woman to be appointed to the position of permanent 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.
Chairwoman of the Tompkins County Legislature Shawna Black said, “I’m delighted that Lisa Holmes will be taking on this role, she is a thoughtful and compassionate leader who has proven her commitment to our organization and community during her career here with Tompkins County. Lisa has the full support of the Tompkins County Legislature.” Black continued, “Looking forward, we have incredible opportunities for the County, and Lisa has the institutional knowledge, respect of our staff, and a clear vision to lead the organization moving forward.”
Newly appointed Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes stated, “I believe strongly in the work of county government and am proud of the services offered to our residents here in Tompkins County. I am excited to take on this role and continue to work with my county colleagues.” Holmes continued, “We have some big initiatives moving forward at the county level, including Reimagining Public Safety, adapting our work coming out of the pandemic, the merger of our Health and Mental Health departments, and examining space needs and implementing a capital plan that best meets the needs of our staff and residents. I look forward to working closely with the Legislature on these and other opportunities.”
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