Herkimer County Administrator Jim Wallace Retires After 47 Years of Service

Herkimer County Administrator, Jim Wallace, is retiring after nearly five decades in county government. Serving first as a Medicaid auditor and youth bureau director, Wallace spent his last 35 years as county administrator.

“Working as a team has always been important. The Pumpkin Patch project and collaboration with Jimmy Bono, Bernie Peplinski and Steve Smith to bring in Tractor Supply, propelled economic development,” Wallace said.

However, not all changes have been positive. According to Wallace, political consensus has shifted drastically over time.

“People used to agree on 90% of topics, now it’s perhaps 10%, sometimes even 0%. It’s crucial people work together,” Wallace opined.

Wallace’s successor, Deputy County Administrator, Alvin Montana, will take over the position fully in mid-July.

“My advice is simple: always strive to do the right thing. That’s how I’ve survived 47 years. Be truthful and ethical, and you can certainly achieve success,” Wallace advised.