GENESEO, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2025 — After 25 years of dedicated service, Livingston County is celebrating the retirement today of Lisa Dugan of the Public Defender’s Office.
Her official title was confidential secretary/office manager during her tenure, but those who worked alongside Dugan know her duties reached far beyond those job descriptions. With a degree in Paralegal Studies, she often lent her skills to legal work, helping prepare case files and documents, managing court calendars, and assisting attorneys with the steady flow of cases that passed through the office.
She also developed adaptable procedures for the office support staff, which directly enhanced the office’s overall operational efficiency. Over the years, Dugan built a reputation among coworkers as someone who could keep the office moving forward no matter what came through the door.
Public Defender Lindsay P. Quintilone agreed, adding that Dugan’s contributions and impact on the office cannot be overstated.
“Lisa has been an invaluable asset to the Public Defender's Office, and especially to me when I was appointed Public Defender in 2018. She has shared so much institutional knowledge and experience that has helped numerous attorneys and staff learn and grow into their own roles, both in the Public Defender's Office and other County departments. Lisa has always forged her own path since the day she began working for Livingston County, developing and defining what a confidential secretary should be and exemplifying dedicated service to this community. We will miss her and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Among her many professional accomplishments, Dugan said she is proudest of her work mentoring colleagues, fostering a positive work culture, and mastering the art of multitasking under pressure. She also highlighted the volunteer work she and her team have performed over the years as among her most meaningful memories. The Public Defender’s Office has made volunteerism and giving back to the community a cornerstone of its office culture. Staff members have recently volunteered their personal time with local organizations like the Theresa House and Camp Stella Maris. Dugan called the volunteer work some of the most heartwarming moments of her career.
As she looks back on 25 years of public service, Dugan said that her colleagues and the spontaneity of the work will be among the things she misses most.
“Every day was different. I was never bored because I never knew what to expect each day,” she said. “It feels surreal to be leaving. I will miss my work family terribly. However, I felt it was time for me to begin my next chapter in life.”
As Dugan turns the page on a successful career, Livingston County celebrates her legacy of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service.
“Lisa, your dedication and compassion have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Acting County Administrator Shannon Hillier during this week’s meeting of the Livingston County Board of Supervisors. “On behalf of myself, the board of supervisors, department heads, and the grateful community, thank you for your 25 years of exceptional service.”
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.