ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes will retire at the end of the year.

Holmes began her career in local government in 1998 with the Tompkins County Office for the Aging and has worn many hats since then.  She’s spent the last six years in county administration, including the last two as county administrator.

“I’m fortunate to have had what will be a 26-year career with Tompkins County,” said Holmes. “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.”

The county administrator is responsible for the management of the county’s budget and almost 30 departments and is additionally tasked with overseeing and coordinating the operations of the county government as laid out by the legislature.

Tompkins County Legislative Chair Dan Klein says she will be missed.

“The county has a steady and measured leader in Lisa,” said Klein. “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.”

Holmes says she’s confident the transition will go well.

“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,” said Holmes. “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 a 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.”