People news: Ithaca College names Younger executive director for government and community relations

ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca College announced it has appointed Paula Younger as its new executive director for government and community relations.

Younger has served since 2006 as deputy county administrator for Tompkins County, including a recent stint as interim county administrator since mid-November.

In her new position, Younger will partner with Melissa Daly, chief of staff in Ithaca College’s Office of the President, to support its government and community relations efforts. Ithaca College President Shirley M. Collado announced the creation of the position in September, citing the growing nature of the college’s work in government relations as well as a dedication to strengthening ties to the local community.

“This is a position that is necessary and timely, and reflects an emerging strategic need,” Collado said in a news release. “I am excited to welcome Paula to Ithaca College, where she will help manage key initiatives shared between my office and the offices of our vice presidents and many campus leaders, and will be charged with developing and maintaining relationships that promote strong and productive collaborations between the college and the local community as well as state and federal governments.”

Younger will begin her new position at Ithaca College on Jan. 15.

In her current role for Tompkins County, Younger has assisted in the oversight of day-to-day county operations encompassing 27 departments and an annual budget of $179 million, serving more than 100,000 residents.

Her accomplishments include leading establishment of the county’s first diversity and inclusion policy, grant development to help start the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium, facilitating a county-wide effort to expand broadband Internet service, and initiating Tompkins County’s corporate compliance program, according to a news release from the county’s legislature. She will leave Tompkins County government, effective Jan. 10

Younger holds a master’s degree in human services administration from Springfield College and a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Hampton University. During her career, she has worked extensively with federal and state agencies, local governments, community-based organizations, and higher education and research organizations.

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Photo credit: Tompkins County Legislature