ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Tompkins County has a new leader at the Department of Social Services.

Brittanie Earle will step into the Commissioner’s role, effective July 21.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brittanie Earle as Tompkins County’s next Commissioner of Social Services,” stated County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. “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.”

Brittanie Earle 

Earle, who most recently served as Interim Director of the Community Response Team at Cornell University, brings over 15 years of experience in public service. She has worked across sectors in service and leadership roles, including residential foster care, the juvenile justice system, youth development, emergency crisis response, and municipal government.

Earle says she’s eager to get to work.

The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously appointed Earle for a 5-year term at the July 15 meeting.

She takes over for Commissioner Kit Kephart, who is set to retire at the end of the month. Kephart was recently a guest on Ithaca’s Morning News.