Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel recently announced Chautauqua County Budget Director Kathleen Dennison will retire from her position effective June 2, 2023.
Dennison first began her career with the County on July 7, 2011 as a Principal Account Clerk with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. She was later appointed as an Accounting Supervisor, a position she held for two years, before being appointed as Budget Director for the Chautauqua County Department of Finance on Feb. 1, 2017.
In her roles with the Sheriff’s Office, Dennison was responsible for budget preparation, grants administration, financial reporting, payroll processing for over 300 employees, and contract negotiations.
As Budget Director, Dennison assisted with the creation and completion of six county budgets. These budgets have grown the County’s fund balance to approximately $34.14 million in accordance with the County’s financial management plan. Dennison served on the Chautauqua County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) working group, and helped develop the County’s ARPA spending plan to fund 66 ARPA projects.
“Throughout Kathleen’s 11-year tenure with the County, she has worked tirelessly to help maintain the County’s fiscal standing,” said Wendel. “She has been essential in helping guide me, former county executives, legislators, county department heads, and other key fiscal staff on preparing and maintaining our budgets. I appreciate Kathleen’s financial guidance and I wish her all the best in retirement.”
“The most enjoyable aspect of being the Chautauqua County Budget Director is the opportunity to work with all of the departmental directors, and to learn about the wide array of services they provide to our residents,” said Dennison. “Using our respective areas of expertise, the directors and I worked together to successfully manage their budgets. I also worked closely with the County Executive and the Legislature. I am proud of these effective partnerships, and proud to be leaving Chautauqua County in very sound financial position.”
Wendel has begun the process of finding Dennison’s replacement; and has established a search committee to assist him with finding the most qualified individual to serve as the next Budget Director.
