PLATTSBURGH — Longtime Clinton County Administrator Michael Zurlo will retire in October.
Zurlo, 55, will leave after more than two decades of shepherding the county through growth and change, managing the legislative body in a manner that allowed them to make the most informed decisions they could in the least political way.
“For me personally, an added benefit of working with Mike has been gaining a true friend — a close confidant whose experience, guidance, and good humor I came to rely on daily,” County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said.
“His thoughtful leadership strengthened our administration, but it’s his friendship I’ll miss most.”
NATIVE
Zurlo, a native of Champlain and son of former Clinton County Legislator and County Clerk John Zurlo, who passed away late last year, joined the county in 2001 as the deputy administrator.
The graduate of Siena College with a masters of Public Administration from the University of Albany became the administrator in 2004, replacing the retired William Bingel. Zurlo was given five five-year appointments by the legislature and is in the first year of his fifth appointment.
Prior to coming to the county, Zurlo worked for nine years for then-State Sen. Ronald B. Stafford as legislative director for Stafford and nominations secretary to the Senate Finance Committee.
In his time as county administrator, Zurlo served in many state and national professional posts, including: being appointed to the New York State Association of Counties as an At-Large Board member in September 2018 with reappointment in September 2019; serving as 2nd Vice President from September 2020 – September 2021; 1st Vice President from September 2021 – 2022 and NYSAC President from September 2022 – 2023.
He also served as Immediate Past President from September 2023 – 2024.
He is also serving on the National Association of Counties Board of Directors; first appointed in 2023.
In 2024, he was the recipient of the State Academy for Public Administration Robert D. McEvoy Excellence in Local Government Service Award.
Henry said the county is fortunate to have had Zurlo at the helm for as long as it has.
“Mike has had many opportunities over the years to move on to other things,” Henry said.
“He is well known across the state and would be a huge asset wherever he chose to go. But Mike loves this county, its people, and the work of county government. To our great fortune, Mike always chose to stay here.”
INVOLVEMENT
Locally, Zurlo is currently on several boards of directors, is the past president of the Foundation of the Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital, is the secretary of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, is very active in raising funds for the Hospice of the North Country and is a member of Knights of Columbus Council #3525.
Although his three children — Alexander, Ian and Samantha — went to Saranac Central School where his wife, the former Gretchen Zink, is a mathematics teacher, Zurlo is a proud graduate himself of Northeastern Clinton Central School.
A hallmark of Zurlo’s time as administrator for the county was his ability to utilize his state connections to stay on top of ever-changing regulations and mandates sent down from Albany to ensure that the legislature had the latest and best information to work with on all issues and to put the county in a position to succeed.
Questions raised from the floor by legislators always received a detailed, up-to-date answer from Zurlo who prided himself in preparation.
As the county’s budget officer, Zurlo was considered one of the best budget minds in the state, routinely producing budgets that met county needs without overburdening county taxpayers.
The county has seen a remarkably stable tax levy, meeting the state-mandated tax cap the past 14 years, while still being able to maintain essential services.
Zurlo also was known as a tremendous facilitator for all department heads as well as legislators. His office was a reservoir of negotiations and education with folks of all stripes visiting daily to discuss issues and chat about Zurlo’s beloved Montreal Canadiens over a cup of coffee.
A flagship moment of Zurlo’s career perhaps was the development of Plattsburgh International Airport, which opened in the summer of 2007 on the flight line of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in the Town of Plattsburgh.
The airport has grown to serve as a key popular regional airport for destinations south for travelers from Quebec, locally and regionally.
PUBLIC SERVICE
Henry said Zurlo’s departure will close a distinguished chapter of public service for the county.
“Over the decades, Mike shaped the county’s progress with steady leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our community,” Henry said.
“He has been involved in countless critical decisions — each one affecting the lives of Clinton County residents. Mike has always understood that county government touches everyone, and he approached each decision with care, compassion, and purpose.”
Zurlo said it has truly been an honor to serve Clinton County for the past 25 years.
“Public service is in my blood and I could not think of a better place to serve the public than in Clinton County,” he said.
“In my role, I have had the privilege of working for outstanding County Legislators, with top-notch management teams and a diligent workforce. While I will miss Clinton County Government, I look forward to the next chapter in my professional career.”
The legislature will begin seeking a replacement for Zurlo with the hopes that a person can be installed by Aug. 1 in order to get accustomed to the legislative operation and control the 2026 budget process from the beginning.
Henry said initial discussions for a replacement will be held in Personnel Committee meetings and recommendations will be brought forth to the full legislature for a decision.
“As Mike begins this well-earned new chapter, I want to thank him deeply and let him know the Clinton County Legislature sincerely wishes him and his great family every happiness ahead,” Henry said.