Clinton County Administrator Honored for Public Service Excellence

Clinton County Administrator Michael E. Zurlo this week received the Robert D. McEvoy Local Government Memorial Award from the State Academy for Public Administration (SAPA) in recognition of his enhancement of public administration or policy in the State of New York. The award is named for the long-tenured Schenectady County Administrator, adjunct professor, and mentor to many public administrators. 

“As public administrators, we specialize in the kind of work that is typically only noticed when it doesn’t go well, so it’s very special to be recognized by an organization of my peers who work every day to ensure that government at all levels is meeting the public’s needs, effectively and responsibly,” said Zurlo. “I’d like to thank the New York State Association of Counties for nominating me for this award, and my incredible team in Clinton County that are dedicated to serving the county.”

In Clinton County, Mike Zurlo leads a wide range of projects designed to help the county meet its economic, governmental, and community goals, including redevelopment of Clinton County Business Innovation Gateway, stabilizing county taxes, working cooperatively with the county workforce, securing $1.6 million in total savings from the Countywide Shared Services Initiative, and developing a new waterline project in the Town of Schuyler Falls.

Zurlo, who is also the Immediate Past President of NYSAC, has confronted big issues in his home county and with his colleagues from across the state. These challenges include the continued opioid crisis, lingering effects of the COVID pandemic, the public sector workforce crisis, energy policies, climate change, and persistent state fiscal challenges directly impact counites’ ability to serve their residents. 

“On behalf of the New York State Association of Counties, I offer my sincere congratulations to County Administrator Zurlo on this well-deserved award,” said NYSAC President and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “He assumed the role of NYSAC President during a very challenging time for counties and through his leadership, was able to ensure our members remained united as one voice to foster excellence in public service and strengthen our counties for the residents we serve.”

“We’re incredibly proud of everything County Administrator Zurlo has accomplished, both for Clinton County and for our association,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “He was instrumental in crafting a vision for the future of NYSAC as we approach our 100-year anniversary and his expertise in county and state government were invaluable in leading our members past the pandemic and confronting the challenges counties faced on the other side.”

The twelfth annual Public Service Excellence Awards Program was held at the UAlbany Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex (ETEC) located at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus, Albany, NY.

Governor Kathy Hochul was honored with SAPA’s prestigious annual Nelson E. Rockefeller Award for Distinguished Public Service. 

Founded in 1974 by the Empire State Capital Area Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), the State Academy for Public Administration works to harness the skills and talents of senior government professionals to support public service in New York State.

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