KINGSTON, N.Y. - County Executive Patrick K. Ryan announced today the appointment of Tomasine Oliphant to be the new Director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training. Oliphant comes to this role with extensive higher education and experience in social work and leadership, previously serving as a Student Resource Navigator at Dutchess County Community College where she supported students in need with college and job search processes. She previously served as the Hudson Valley Regional Director at the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York (AGAPE) in addition to holding positions at the Mental Health Association - Harbour Light Therapeutic Foster Care Program, Family of Woodstock, Inc., and Stony Brook University. She holds a masters degree in Social Work and an Academic Advising Professional Certificate from Stony Brook University. 

“The Ulster County Career Center will be in great hands with Tomasine Oliphant,” County Executive Ryan said. “Workforce development is at the core of our strategy to drive equitable economic development. Tomasine’s passion to help people find employment and serve a wide array of people will set us up for success in this department.” 

"It is truly an honor and a privilege to be appointed by County Executive Ryan to this position,” Tomasine Oliphant said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of Ulster County, to continue the great work by my predecessor, Lisa Berger, and to increase access to quality employment and training resources in the community."

“I am delighted that Tomasine Oliphant has been named as the Director of Ulster County’s Office of Employment and Training,” Director of Economic Development and the former Director of the Office of Employment and Training, Lisa Berger said. “She brings with her diverse experience in social work, community outreach, and higher education. Her most recent experience, helping underserved communities navigate and succeed at the community college level, and the direct linkages she has built with businesses in that process will certainly help the County develop robust workforce programs for all of our citizens. Investing in Workforce Development is vital to our economic development and I look forward to working with Tomasine to bring economic equity to all.”

The Ulster County Career Center’s primary mission is to provide job seekers services to facilitate their efforts in finding employment, training, and the tools necessary to maximize their potential in their search for employment in Ulster County. The Ulster County Career Center also responds to the needs of local businesses as they seek a skilled and qualified workforce.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Ulster County Legislature.

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