ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Kit Kephart will call it a career in 2025.

On January 14, Kephart announced she plans to retire this July after 25 years with DSS, including the last eight as commissioner.

“It has been an honor to serve with such a dedicated and compassionate staff,” stated Kephart. “Our commitment to using a strengths-based, person-focused, and trauma-informed care approach creates a network of support for those in need of services, and by doing so, increases the strength and resiliency of our community.”

During her tenure, Kephart oversaw major changes at DSS, including operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing higher security at the Human Services Building, and navigating state and local policy changes that impacted Tompkins County.

“Kit Kephart has been an incredible leader, steering the county’s Social Services Department through very significant times of transition, crisis, and change,” stated Tompkins County Legislative Chair Dan Klein. “We would like to thank Kit for her dedication and compassionate civil service to Tompkins County for over 25 years.”

Legislative Vice Chair Greg Mezey echoed Klein’s sentiments, saying Kephart has worked tirelessly and “served our community with strength and kindness, pragmatism and advocacy.”

The county will soon launch a nationwide search for her replacement.