O'Hearn discusses retirement timeline, transition ahead

SCHUYLER COUNTY--After 17 years of serving as Schuyler County Administrator, Tim O'Hearn will permanently retire at the end of 2021. Along with his regular duties, O'Hearn will spend the rest of the year being shadowed by Deputy Administrator Fonda Chronis to ensure as seamless a transition as possible.
"I am in my 17th year of service to the county and while I continue to love my job and enjoy what I do, I also realize that as we are completing several major initiatives, it is probably a good time to step aside and bring in new leadership with the goal of continuing or surpassing the positive trajectory of growth and prosperity that we are enjoying as a community," O'Hearn said.
Technically, O'Hearn already retired on March 20 and then was reappointed to the position three days later.
"The legislature hired Fonda Chronis as deputy administrator and I will work with him through the end of this year with the goal of him succeeding me as county administrator," O'Hearn stated. "Fonda comes to us from Schoharie County, where he has held a similar position for the past four years."
During his time as administrator O'Hearn has spent a considerable amount of his efforts attempting to jumpstart public-private partnerships throughout the county, many of which have come or are now coming to fruition.
"We have been fortunate as a county to have successfully leveraged public-private partnerships to achieve significant investments in our future success," O'Hearn said.
With Project Seneca, the umbrella vision that covered many recent high-visibility projects, having completed the original goals that it set, Schuyler officials will now begin to focus on developing plans for the next wave of projects to improve the area. To that end, O'Hearn said having new leadership at the administrator position could prove to be incredibly useful.
"It is now time to focus on the next wave of projects that will improve our economy and quality of life," O'Hearn said. "That being the case, this is an opportune time to bring in new blood and the associated enthusiasm and drive that accompany a new leader."
Administrator O'Hearn mentioned the change he has seen over the years as the interconnected projects have boosted the perception of the southern gateway to Seneca Lake.
"Today, it seems that there is a much greater sense of pride and reflection as we appreciate the fact that people literally from all over the world consider us a prime destination," O'Hearn said. "We have only scratched the surface in realizing our true potential, but we are certainly on a path to do so."
While O'Hearn said he is proud of his role in this culture change, he was adamant the change stems from the residents of Schuyler.
"We have a tremendous spirit of collaboration and have visibly demonstrated to the rest of the state the power of partnerships," O'Hearn added. "I am grateful to have been a part of these efforts and take great satisfaction in the noticeable change in the "climate" of our community."
Along with the spirit of the residents, O'Hearn said he never would have been able to help Schuyler had it not been for his colleagues.
"Our department heads are without question, the "best of the best" and I appreciate the support I have received from them as well as the legislature during my tenure," O'Hearn mentioned.
Despite his plans to retire as administrator, O'Hearn has no plans on leaving.
"There is no better place to live, work or retire in than Schuyler County," O'Hearn said. "While I plan on traveling during the winter months, Schuyler County will always be home. I hope we never lose the welcoming and inclusive culture that I experienced when coming here in 2005. It is for that reason that I wouldn't consider relocating