Holli Nenni named new DSS commissioner for Orleans County

Photo by Tom Rivers: Holli Nenni has worked nearly 34 years with the Orleans County Department of Social Services.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has appointed a long-time employee to lead the Department of Social Services.

Holli Nenni, the deputy DSS commissioner the past 11 years, was appointed the new commissioner on Wednesday. She succeeds Tom Kuryla, who retired last month.

Nenni has worked at DSS for nearly 34 years. She first worked as a caseworker for 12 years, before being promoted child support coordinator and then director of temporary assistance.

She now leads a department with 70 employees. She was appointed to a five-year term as DSS commissioner in a unanimous vote by Legislature.

Legislator Ken DeRoller, R-Kendall, said Nenni “is the best.” Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson, R-Lyndonville, welcomed Nenni.

“We’re so pleased that Holli is here,” Johnson said during Wednesday’s meeting.

The DSS divisions include temporary assistance, child & family services, domestic violence services, and the child support and enforcement unit.

“I like working with the families and the kids,” said Nenni, an Albion resident.

DSS paetners with many local agencies and county departments – GCASA, Mental Health, Job Development and others – to help people overcome barriers and become self sufficient, Nenni said.

As deputy commissioner, Nenni oversaw staff development. That will continue to be a focus for the DSS employees.

“I want to help staff and make sure they get the training and tools to do their jobs,” she said. “I want to help them with the work-life balance.”

A big priority will be developing a new generation of leaders for DSS.

“I like to help the workers and be a resource for them,” Nenni said.