The Tompkins County Legislature appointed Brittanie Earle as the new commissioner of social services, a role she will officially assume on July 21, 2025.
Earle, a public service professional with more than 15 years of experience, was welcomed during the July 16 legislative session.
The Tompkins County Legislature appointed Brittanie Earle as the new commissioner of social services.
Earle’s career spans a wide range of leadership and direct service roles, including work in residential foster care, juvenile justice, youth development and municipal crisis response, according to an announcement from the county.
Most recently, she served as interim director of the Community Response Team at Cornell University, where she led the creation of a trauma-informed, non-police crisis intervention model while working closely with law enforcement, emergency services and university departments.
Appointment comes with strong support
Her appointment was met with strong support from county leadership.
In a statement, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature Dan Klein praised Earle’s “strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and ability to foster strong partnerships,” expressing confidence in her capacity to support families and individuals across the county.
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi echoed that sentiment, calling Earle a “proven leader” whose trauma-informed, community-centered approach is well-suited to the challenges of the role.
“Her breadth of experience positions her exceptionally well to lead one of our county’s most vital departments,” Akumfi said in a statement.
Earle’s background
Earle’s background includes work with the Ithaca Youth Bureau, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and Oswego County Opportunities.
She has led youth services, managed residential care programs, and implemented trauma-informed practices across multiple settings. Notably, she secured nearly $1 million in federal funding to support youth mental health and public safety initiatives, according to the statement.
In a statement to the legislature, Earle expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“It is a privilege to join a department with such dedicated staff and committed community partners,” she said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and advancing initiatives that center equity, safety, and dignity in service delivery.”
The Department of Social Services administers state and federal entitlement programs and supports Tompkins County residents through a range of locally funded initiatives.
With Earle at the helm, county officials anticipate continued progress in delivering equitable, effective services.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Tompkins County Social Services Commissioner appointed