During its annual Legislative Conference in Albany, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) honored Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente with its Executive Director’s Award for Public Service, the association’s highest achievement award.
For nearly 20 years, County Executive Picente has been a pillar of strong, effective leadership in the Mohawk Valley and for our association,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “At home, he led his county through the depths of the Great Recession and Covid pandemic and was the galvanizing force behind the economic resurgence of the Mohawk Valley. For NYSAC, his wealth of experience and expertise has been invaluable to his fellow county leaders and to our advocacy on their behalf.”
“I am humbled and honored to accept the NYSAC Executive Directors Award for Public Service on behalf of Oneida County,” said Picente. “We are the level of government closest to the people; we know what’s happening in our streets, in our neighborhoods, and that’s why I love what I do. This recognition is a testament to the tireless dedication of the entire Oneida County team and all the county leaders and officials who work each and every day to make a meaningful difference in their communities.”
County Executive Picente is the 13th Oneida County Executive and the longest serving in the county’s history and has terms as both the president of the New York State Association of Counties and president of the New York State County Executives’ Association.
During his tenure as Oneida County Executive, Mr. Picente has consistently improved the county’s financial outlook and credit rating while focusing on advancing economic development in the county in nanotechnology, cyber security, and unmanned aerial systems. He created the Vision 2020 Initiative, bringing together stakeholders from across Oneida County to promote job opportunities, as well as education, training, and housing alternatives.
County Executive Picente was also instrumental in leading the state and county to reach a historic settlement in 2013 with the Oneida Indian Nation.
“The NYSAC Executive Director’s Award for Public Service is reserved for leaders like County Executive Picente who have made indelible positive impacts on their communities. On behalf of our entire membership, I offer him my congratulations and thanks for his service.”
