Readers have asked Cyr and Kelley for qualifications, education, experience
By Andrew Harris
We’ve received plenty of questions and requests to ask the two open candidates for Allegany County Treasurer the same question:
Could you please detail the education, experience, and qualifications to be the next Allegany County Treasurer? Please include any accreditations or related designations, for example “Certified Financial Planner.”
Jenna Kelley, who currently serves as the Deputy Treasurer for Allegany County and is running as a Republican, answered us with this:
In Allegany County, per our form of local government and New York State law, the position of County Treasurer is an elected position. The qualifications to be an elected County Treasurer can vary by County, but generally the following criteria are required:
- Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Residency: Must be a resident of the County they are elected to serve.
Shockingly, there are no specific State-mandated exams, certifications, education requirements or qualifications necessary to run or hold the position of an elected County Treasurer. In most Counties, Treasurers have backgrounds in finance, accounting or public administration. Candidates are typically affiliated with a political party or run as an independent.
In some New York State Counties, the title of Commissioner of Finance replaces the title of County Treasurer. While both titles are essential for the efficient financial management of a County, a Commissioner of Finance is an appointed position by the governing board; thus, requiring educational requirements, typically at minimum a Bachelor’s degree. Generally, both titles serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the County.
As the current Allegany County Deputy Treasurer, I consider the following qualifications important to be a successful candidate:
- Educational Background: A degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field would be beneficial.
- Relevant Experience: Experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting or public administration is highly valuable. Governmental accounting experience is a bonus!
- Knowledge of Financial Laws and Regulations: Understanding Federal, State and Local financial regulations, tax laws and budgeting process is crucial especially knowledge of GASB, GAAP, local finance law and general municipal law.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are important for managing budgets and financial reports.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy is vital in financial management, necessitating a keen attention to detail.
- Computer skills: Proficiency in financial software, spreadsheets and databases is required.
- Communication skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting financial information to the public and government officials.
- Leadership and Management skills: Ability to manage a team and work effectively with other departments.
- Ethical Standards: A commitment to ethical practices and public service is essential in handling public funds.
While none of these qualifications are mandatory, possessing a combination of education, experience and skills will enhance my candidacy for the position of Allegany County Treasurer.
I am excited to share why I am the most qualified candidate to be your Allegany County Treasurer. With a strong background in finance and public service, I am committed to ensuring our County’s financial strength.
- I am a 2005 graduate of Genesee Valley Central School in Belmont, NY.
- I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY.
- I have over 17 years of experience in financial management, including the past 12 years as the appointed Allegany County Deputy Treasurer.
- I have served as the elected Town of West Almond Tax Collector since 2018.
- I am a 2017 graduate of Leadership Allegany, a program dedicated to promoting positive change by creating a network of leaders with a clear understanding of the community and a commitment to its advancement. The program is designed for leaders who want to make a difference in Allegany County.
- I am also a 2019 graduate of the National Association of Counties (NACo) High Performance Professional Development Academy, a program created to equip frontline County government professionals with practical leadership skills to deliver results for their Counties and communities.
Over the past 12 years I have been a member of the Allegany County Republican Committee, currently serving as the Committee Treasurer. I am an active member with the NYSACFO (New York State Association of County Finance Officers), member of the Allegany County Women’s Republican Committee and currently the Treasurer for the Angelica Athletic Association.

Having served the taxpayers for the last 12 years, I have the experience and knowledge our County requires and deserves. My years of institutional knowledge of County and State government far exceed any formal educational requirements. At the State level, I have worked closely with officials from other Counties. Since 2013, I have attended the annual New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Finance School to keep up-to-date on Federal and State law changes as well as NYS Comptroller requirements.
As the primary investor for Allegany County, I was honored to take part in accepting the Prestigious 90+ cashVest® Award by three+one®. This honor is given through a collaboration between the NACo and three+one®. This award highlighted Allegany County’s effective cash management, improving financial stability and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Allegany County needs a Treasurer that can work with our County department heads, Legislators, State officials, bond counsel, fiscal advisors, actuarial firms, external auditing firms and consultants. I have experience working with all who have been listed, and I am confident in my ability to continue to build a cooperative working environment.
As I pursue my candidacy for Allegany County Treasurer I will never forget where I have come from and will always use that as a guide to my future. I will continue to be involved, be a part of my community and give back in any way I can. I look forward to continuing to serve the taxpayers of Allegany County and appreciate your support. My door is always open, and I am happy to answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to send me an email at jenna4treas@gmail.com should you have any questions or concerns.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jenna L. Kelley
Adam Cyr, a former Allegany County Legislator and businessman, responded with this:
“When I was asked to run for Allegany County treasurer during a business meeting, the reasons given were simple, local business owners wanted somebody who has had recent years of on the job training on how to be successful in New York State and Allegany County despite the tax burdens.
President Trump had to deal with the same line of questioning. My goals align with his on reducing taxes based on business decisions, not based on who my friends are with jobs.

I am proud that I work each day on balancing successful budgets and that I have not attended training paid for by businesses who want to make money off our taxpayers just to give us a certificate to use as a photo opportunity in the newspaper.
When I am elected treasurer for Allegany County, there will be an incredible wealth of knowledge in the office and any additional state certifications needed by law, will be completed.”
