Biography

Kathleen Jimino was the fourth of six children born to Sophia and John Madden. Raised on the east side of Troy, she currently lives in Lansingburgh with husband Vince. They have two children.

Kathy was educated at Catholic Central High School, and Siena College, from where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Additionally, she received her Master’s degree in Social Policy from SUNY Empire State College.

After graduating from Siena, Kathy went to work for Rensselaer County in the Data Processing Department where she held several positions prior to being named commissioner of that department.

Soon thereafter, she served as the City of Troy’s Budget Director and later City Manager. In acknowledgement of her service during her tenure, she was awarded the Frank C. Moore Award for her, and we quote…”Leadership and dedication in managing the City of Troy during a period of major fiscal crisis”….end of quote.

After running for Mayor of the City of Troy in 1995 and losing by only 119 votes despite an overwhelming party enrollment disadvantage, Kathy served as a Principal Analyst for the New York State Senate Finance Committee, and three years later was named Assistant Director of the Office of Budget Studies.

In 1997, she again tossed her hat into the political ring when she accepted an appointment and was subsequently elected to the Rensselaer County Legislature. She quickly made her mark in the Legislature, as she chaired the Aging Committee as well as a special committee that targeted the tobacco prevention funding in the County.

In 2001, Kathleen Jimino was appointed County Executive. Six months later the voters of Rensselaer County approved her appointment by electing her by the largest margin ever afforded any Rensselaer County Executive in history! Kathy was reelected in 2005, again leading her party’s ticket.

To date her administration is known for its consistent drive to assure that County residents benefit from the streamlining of services while at the same time emphasizing that departments adhere to her strict budgetary standards. Additionally, the County administration under her guidance is steadfastly dedicated to the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. She is also noted for her aggressiveness in advocating new businesses in the County, and encouraging expansion for the ones who already call the County their home, being convinced that community-sensitive economic growth is the proper path for success. Among other governmental responsibilities, Kathy currently serves as President of the New York State County Executives Association and is Co-Chair of the Center for Economic Growth’s Local Government Council.