SAANYS Executive Director Announces Retirement

Longtime Executive Director Kevin S. Casey has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2024. The SAANYS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has selected current Deputy Executive Director Jennifer L. Carlson to assume leadership of the association as executive director effective January 1, 2025.

Casey first came to SAANYS as general counsel in 2000. Casey has served as executive director since 2006, overseeing all association operations, including member legal and labor relations services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and professional learning opportunities for SAANYS’ membership of 22,000 school administrators.

“Twenty-four years has gone by quickly,” reflected Casey. “I am proud of what we have accomplished in those years. We’ve 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.”

“Kevin has led our organization during challenging times with grace and finesse,” Commented Tony Cardamone, president of the SAANYS Board of Directors. “On behalf of the entire board, I wish Kevin a happy and healthy retirement and thank him for his skillful leadership. The board is excited to welcome Jennifer Carlson as our new executive director. It was a unanimous decision to appoint Jenn based on her years of dedicated service and her ability to lead us as we continue to grow the association.”

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. Carlson is a graduate of Albany Law School and The College of Saint Rose.

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.”