A Fond Farewell and New Leadership Celebrated at October Conference

The SAANYS October Annual Conference in Lake Placid was a time of learning, networking, and transition as the new president of SAANYS was introduced and congratulations were bestowed on retiring SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey. 

Linda Klime, the business administrator for the Lansingburgh Central School District, previously serving as president-elect, officially took the reins from now-past president Tony Cardamone from Baldwinsville on October 27.  

In her remarks to the 400-plus conference attendees, Klime noted, “… with Kevin’s retirement, there will be many changes. A new leader, new ideas, probably some new programs. A goal as president is to ensure there is little disruption to the organization during this time of change while still being grounded in our mission.  Change can be very unsettling, but I am a firm believer in change – change allows for growth and rediscovery.” 

Come January 1, Klime will be working closely with SAANYS’ new executive director director, Jennifer Carlson. As announced in August, current SAANYS executive director Kevin Casey will retire effective December 31, 2024, after a 24-year tenure at SAANYS, with 18 of those years in the post of executive director.  

“Twenty-four years has gone by quickly,” reflected Casey. “I am proud of what we have accomplished in those years. We have increased our membership and representation significantly to include administrators from every corner of the state, while also elevating our visibility, advocacy, and level of service. I am confident that Jenn will use her leadership skills and commitment to the organization to continue this upward trajectory for the betterment of New York’s school leaders.” 

Carlson has been with SAANYS since 2010, serving as deputy general counsel before moving into her current role of deputy executive director in 2022. At the time of promotion, Carlson was lauded for her excellent organizational skills, keen eye on customer service, and in-depth knowledge of SAANYS’ core legal and negotiation services.  

Commented Carlson, “I am humbled and honored to have been selected by the board of directors to continue serving SAANYS in this new capacity. In my various roles with the organization over the past fourteen years, I have had the privilege of representing our hardworking and dedicated members and am grateful to have the wise and patient mentorship of Kevin Casey during this transition. Kevin succeeded in his mission to grow SAANYS into the premier full-service organization for public school administrators and did so by leading with integrity, resilience, and always having the best interests of our members at heart. His steadfast leadership will be missed, and I look forward to continuing to lead SAANYS in exciting new directions.”