Deputy executive director named to top spot ALBANY — The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) recently announced the retirement of its longtime executive director, Kevin S. Casey, effective Dec. 31. The SAANYS board of directors has selected current Deputy Executive Director Jennifer L. Carlson to assume leadership of the association as executive director, […]
Deputy executive director named to top spot
ALBANY — The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) recently announced the retirement of its longtime executive director, Kevin S. Casey, effective Dec. 31. The SAANYS board of directors has selected current Deputy Executive Director Jennifer L. Carlson to assume leadership of the association as executive director, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Casey first came to SAANYS as general counsel in 2000. He has served as executive director since 2006, overseeing all association operations, including member legal and labor-relations services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and professional learning opportunities for SAANYS’ membership of 22,000 school administrators, according to a July 29 news release from the association. “Twenty-four years has gone by quickly,” said Casey. “I am proud of what we have accomplished in those years. We’ve increased our membership and representation significantly to include administrators from every corner of the state, while also elevating our visibility, advocacy, and level of service. I am confident that Jenn will use her leadership skills and commitment to the organization to continue this upward trajectory for the betterment of New York’s school leaders.” Carlson has been with SAANYS since 2010, serving as deputy general counsel before moving into her current role of deputy executive director in 2022. At the time of promotion, Carlson was acclaimed for her excellent organizational skills, keen eye on customer service, and in-depth knowledge of SAANYS’ core legal and negotiation services, the release stated. Carlson is a graduate of Albany Law School and The College of Saint Rose. “I am humbled and honored to have been selected by the Board of Directors to continue serving SAANYS in this new capacity. In my various roles with the organization over the past fourteen years, I have had the privilege of representing our hardworking and dedicated members and am grateful to have the wise and patient mentorship of Kevin Casey during this transition,” Carlson said. “Kevin succeeded in his mission to grow SAANYS into the premier full-service organization for public school administrators and did so by leading with integrity, resilience, and always having the best interests of our members at heart. His steadfast leadership will be missed, and I look forward to continuing to lead SAANYS in exciting new directions.” SAANYS represents more than 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retirees throughout New York state.