Chairman's Proclamation: Recognizing NYSAC's 100th Anniversary
A Century of Service to Counties
NYSAC's Centennial Anniversary
This year, we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone—the Centennial Anniversary of our great association. To honor this momentous occasion and commemorate the tireless dedication of our members and staff, we've put together a yearlong celebration with special events centered around our two conferences. Thank you to all our past and present members who have supported us during these plentiful years. We will continue to work proudly and diligently for the betterment of our counties and state government.
NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin II
Achieving 100 years of continuous service is a major accomplishment for any organization, and it speaks directly to the incredible value that NYSAC brings to its members – the elected and appointed county officials of New York State.
I'm honored to serve as your president during this historic year and I encourage all our members to participate in this once in a lifetime celebration.
Our History
One hundred years ago, county leaders recognized the need for an organization that could represent their interests in Albany and provide them with an opportunity to share knowledge, ideas and experience.
Our founder, Monroe County Attorney George Y. Webster, alongside dozens of county officials across the state joined forces and united behind one statewide association, what was originally known as the County Officers’ Association (COA).
From its earliest days, the association began hosting annual conferences where county officials discussed the pressing issues of the day, like in 1928, when members discussed the first proposal of a statewide gas tax, or in 1944, when counties addressed how best to aid WWII veterans returning home from battle.
These initiatives laid the groundwork for what would become NYSAC's legacy and mission of fostering excellence in county government and uniting the voice of New York's counties.
In 1931, our members and staff came together and began discussing the establishment of a permanent office in Albany, which both parties agreed would breed productivity and success for the COA and its county members.
After years of debate and deliberation–and the acquisition of proper funding—the COA established its first permanent office in 1956. Permanent staff and proximity to the capital set a new pace for NYSAC advocacy that led to countless victories and achievements on behalf of our members.
About two decades after this pivotal moment in the COA’s history, our officials came together once again to make another grand transition: rebranding to our current title—the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).
Today, we continue to serve thousands of county officials providing training through our County Finance School, County Government Institute, conferences, and webinars.
Our members support throughout the years and the determination of our staff has enable us to house programs in veteran assistance, public health, budgeting, and women's leadership. We're able to provide training to county officials through our County Finance School and County Government Institute, investing our time and resources back into the counties we serve. Your support has enabled us to become a powerful unifying voice for New York counties, and we will continue to serve that purpose for many centennials to come.
Events
Centennial Fall Seminar
Look for more details later this year.
Proclamations and Resolutions
Special thanks to all the counties who adopted proclamations and resolutions commemorating our centennial anniversary.
A Look Back Through the Years
Contact Us
New York State Association of Counties
515 Broadway, Suite 402
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 465-1473
Fax: (518) 465-0506