New social services leader named

TROY >> Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino has chosen a longtime staff member in the county’s Department of Social Services to take the reins of the agency.

Jimino announced in a news release, Deputy Commissioner Theresa Beaudoin will take over Monday for Randy Hall, who is retiring after eight years as commissioner and 42 total years as a county employee. The position requires confirmation by the county Legislature, with Beaudoin to be paid an annual salary of $110,000.

“I am extremely confident that Theresa will live up high standards set by her predecessors as she continues her career and growth in Rensselaer County government,” Jimino said in the release. “I feel certain her vast experiences will help ensure a smooth transition of the sound leadership of the department.”

Beaudoin joined the Department of Social Services in 1983, working as a clerk, account clerk, social welfare examiner, law clerk, assistant department counsel, assistant counsel, chief counsel and deputy commissioner. In addition, as has also worked as an assistant counsel for the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform, supervisor of the Communications for the Legislative Retrieval System, and a program marketing representative for Computer Science Corp. Healthcare systems.

Beaudoin holds an associate degree in communications from The Sage Colleges, a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University and a law degree from Albany Law School.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to take on the challenges and responsibilities of this position as the commissioner of the Department of Social Services,” Beaudoin said in the release. “The department serves a vital role in our community, as its mission is to ensure the protection, safety and economic stability of the most vulnerable populations in our society. I look forward to continuing my service to the county and all of the families in need.”