News Flash

Rensselaer County Department of Social Services Commissioner Theresa Beaudoin is retiring from county service, and is being praised for her service to the county over four decades, County Executive Steve McLaughlin and members of the County Legislature announced on Monday.

Beaudoin’s last day with the county is today. The county will be announcing a temporary replacement for Beaudoin later this week.

The Department of Social Services is the largest department with county government. Beaudoin became commissioner in 2016, after first starting with the county in 1983. She was reappointed to a six-year term as Commissioner in June 2021.

“Theresa Beaudoin provided valuable leadership and service as DSS Commissioner, maintaining important services for those needing care and assistance during her career and as commissioner,” said McLaughlin.

Beaudoin continued a legacy of service by her family to the Department of Social Services started by her late father John and her late uncle Robert. Her father John served as county DSS Commissioner for 40 years during a 50-year career with the county. Bob Beaudoin was administrator at the county’s Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home for decades.

“She particularly worked hard as the county responded to the pandemic, helping maintain care at the Van Rensselaer Manor during a time of challenge and changing regulations and situations. She carried on the mission started by her father and uncle, and provided a high level of service to those most in need. We wish her well as she retires and seeks new pursuits,” added McLaughlin.

She began her career in 1983 with county DSS as a community service aide, and worked in other positions. She returned after completing college and earning a law degree, working as assistant counsel. She became Chief Counsel for the department in 2008, Deputy Commissioner in 2015 and Commissioner in 2016.

“This has been a tremendous place to work and hopefully help make a difference. Rensselaer County has always placed a high-level of importance on the care provided at the Van Rensselaer Manor and the services provided by our department. It was an honor to carry out that mission and serve in a job that my father loved and worked hard at for forty years,” said Beaudoin.

“The past two years have obviously been challenging during the pandemic, and after a great deal of thought and consideration, the time is right to retire and take stock of what the future may offer. I wish everyone in county government well, and sincerely thank the people of Rensselaer County for the opportunity to serve,” added Beaudoin.

During Beaudoin’s term of service, the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Van Rensselaer Manor was observed, and plans announced for a memorial recognizing John Beaudoin’s service to the county. DSS also launched CC’s Closet, an effort to provide clothing to kids in foster care. The department also implemented McLaughlin’s idea of partnering with CDPHP to provide medical service to programs recipients via cellphone, known as ER Anywhere. ER Anywhere was expanded recently to all residents as Rensco Cares. Other efforts to modernize and improve the efficiency of the department were also undertaken.

“I have known Theresa for 38 years.  During her tenure, she has continued her family’s legacy of ensuring our county residents receive the best possible services.  It has been a pleasure working with her and I wish her well,” said Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman- North Greenbush.

“As the Chairman of the Social Services Committee and a fellow resident of the Town of East Greenbush, I have had the privilege of working closely with Commissioner Beaudoin on a number of important issues, particularly those involving the providing of critical support to our most vulnerable county residents. I thank her for her dedicated service to the people of Rensselaer County and look forward to our continuing to work together,” said Legislator Tom Grant- Chair of Social Services Committee.