BELMONT – The Allegany County Board of Legislators announces
the appointment of Carissa Knapp to the position of County Administrator
effective January 14, 2020. An Allegany
County native, Mrs. Knapp holds a Juris Doctorate from The George Washington
University School of Law and a Master’s Degree in Community Services
Administration from Alfred University, having completed her fieldwork for that
degree in the County Administrator’s Office.
Additionally, Mrs. Knapp holds undergraduate degrees from Alfred
University and Alfred State College and is a Belmont Central School
alumnus. Mrs. Knapp is a long-time County
employee, having served the County for over fifteen years. Currently, Mrs. Knapp is the chief legal
advisor to the Board of Legislators, having been appointed as County Attorney
in 2018. When a vacancy in the Office of
the County Administrator occurred in October of 2019, Mrs. Knapp was appointed
as Acting County Administrator, holding that position jointly with former
County Administrator Tim Boyde.
Mrs. Knapp’s appointment follows a two month search for the
next County Administrator. A variety of
candidates throughout New York State submitted applications for the position in
December. The pool of applicants was
narrowed to the best and most-qualified candidates. Interviews of those
individuals took place last week.
The Board of Legislators is confident that Mrs. Knapp’s
educational background, experience in County government, and long-term
dedication to Allegany County will provide a stable structure to lead the
County towards meeting its future goals.
The Board of Legislators would like to publicly acknowledge members of
the Executive team, department heads, and others who have diligently worked to
ensure the duties and expectations of County Government have been maintained
throughout this search process.
Mrs. Knapp is expected to resign as County Attorney and a
search to fill that position will begin immediately.
