American City & County has named Livingston County Probation Director Lynne Mignemi as a 2024 Exemplary Public Servant.
Lynne Mignemi received a National Exemplary Public Servant Award. Photo provided by Livingston County
The annual award recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in their communities. American City and County recognized Mignemi for her probation work, as well as her efforts in suicide prevention and promoting mental health awareness throughout the county. Mignemi joins a distinguished group of just five other public officials from across the country receiving this year’s award.
“Thank you to American City & County for this humbling honor and recognition,” said Mignemi. “I became a public servant at age 22 not to be seen, but because I care so deeply. I care deeply about my probation team, the people we serve in Livingston County, my county family and the Suicide Prevention Task Force membership. I am not sure I can put into words how humbled I am for this nomination and recognition.”
Mignemi comes from a family with a strong tradition of public service. Her parents, whom she considers exemplary public service role models, inspired her to take on the role of probation director with the county. Her mother was the first female county sheriff in Oneida County and dispatched fire calls for the New Hartford Fire Department from her home until her death. Her father was an Oneida County legislator for multiple terms, amongst other public service positions, and a volunteer fireman. Mignemi’s stepmother served as the executive secretary for multiple Oneida County executives.
“I would like to express deep gratitude for my mentors, my probation team and task force members who make me look far better than I deserve, and all the public servants who work in the trenches with me,” added Mignemi. “A special thank you to my husband, Tom, and children, Tom, Rachel and Natalie, who have sacrificed more than people know for my career. Their love and support means everything to me.”
When she’s not leading the Probation Department’s 14-member team, Mignemi serves as chair of the Livingston County Suicide Prevention Task Force. In that role, she has championed life-saving initiatives that have addressed serious public health challenges faced by rural communities. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing the innovative Lock & Talk program to New York State in 2021. She helped to make Livingston County the first to adopt this evidence-based initiative aimed at reducing access to lethal means during a mental health crisis.
Mignemi has also dedicated herself to fostering connection and healing within the community for those affected by suicide or an unexpected death. Along with Task Force members Diane Deane, Maxi Wachholder and Janet Craft, Mignemi helped establish the Step by Step Support Group, a safe space for those grieving the loss of a loved one who took their own life or have experienced sudden death. The group meets to talk, share resources, listen to speakers, and engage in activities designed to support and help members grieve and process their loss alongside others experiencing the same.
Similarly, her involvement in organizing events like the annual Overdose and Suicide Awareness Candlelight Vigil underscores her dedication to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and offering hope to those impacted by loss.
The event, held at Al Lorenz Park, is an evening of hope and reflection for those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide or overdose. Each year, Mignemi selflessly helps organize and promote the community healing event.
The editors of American City & County stated, “Our Exemplary Public Servants personify dedication to making the lives of constituents better. When looking at the nominees, Lynne Mignemi stood out thanks to her championing initiatives related to the mental health and wellbeing of the people in her community. Fighting the stigma of mental health issues, creating safe spaces for open conversations and offering support for those who are at their darkest time truly saves lives.”
Beyond her work in suicide prevention, Mignemi has been involved in improving transportation access through her contributions to the Livingston County Transportation Committee. She helped launch Here2There.help, a user-friendly mobility management tool that connects residents across Livingston, Monroe, and Ontario counties with reliable transportation options. The mobility management tool has broadened access to essential services for vulnerable populations and enhanced the quality of life for many county residents.
No stranger to accolades, Mignemi was named the 133rd Assembly District Woman of the Year by the New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus in 2023. The award honors and pays tribute to women who have made significant contributions to their communities and who inspire others through their model citizenship. She was also the first county employee to become a finalist in the 1st Annual Athena International Award from the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce in 2023. Nominated by retired Livingston County Court Judge Jerry Alonzo, the award honors women for their dedication to community, professionalism and leadership.
“Lynne exemplifies the very best of what we mean when we say public service,” said Livingston County Board Chair David LeFeber. “On behalf of the board, I join in congratulating her for her outstanding and compassionate work. She’s made a tremendous difference in the lives of our residents and we’re fortunate to have her leadership here in our county.”
