Albany County waives residency requirement, confirms Emma Teague as human services director

The Albany County Personnel Committee voted to confirm Emma Teague as director of the Department of Human Services and to authorize a waiver of the county’s residency requirement for the duration of her employment. Committee members approved the confirmation by voice vote.

During the confirmation, a committee member asked how long the residency waiver would last; committee records in the meeting indicate the waiver was granted “for the term of her employment” and that the nominee would not need to apply annually for renewal. Emma Teague told the committee she had received no direction from the county executive on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and said her approach is grounded in workplace training and “mutual respect.” She referenced the civil-rights framework in her response, noting the link to federal law.

“I have not received any direction from the county executive on DEI, but I have been certified to teach and develop employees and understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Teague said. “...If we just stay in that vein, DEI is just a build on of that because we have people who are wanting to confirm more of their rights.”

A motion to confirm Teague and authorize the residency waiver was made and recorded as being moved by Mister Ethier and seconded by Mister Joyce; the transcript records the committee voting “aye” and congratulating Teague. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally of each member’s vote.

No salary, start date, or additional contract terms for Teague were provided during the discussion. The committee adjourned after completing the two agenda items.