Barnstable County Administrator Beth Albert Retires After 30 Years of Public Service
Barnstable, MA (October 1, 2024) – Barnstable County Administrator Beth Albert officially retires today, bringing to a close a distinguished 30-year career in public service. Her journey at Barnstable County began in 2008, and her final day of service is October 1, 2024.
Ms. Albert’s career in the public sector began in Philadelphia, PA. She joined Barnstable County as Director of the Department of Human Services in 2008, where she built strong partnerships with local nonprofits and government agencies. During her 13-year tenure, she secured tens of millions of dollars in state and federal funding to address critical regional issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, substance misuse, services for older adults, chronic disease, behavioral health, and suicide prevention. Under her leadership, the department became an essential resource for Cape Cod residents, driving innovative solutions to these pressing challenges.
Appointed as County Administrator in 2021, Ms. Albert is credited with assembling a highly skilled administration and finance team, updating policies and procedures, improving budgeting and capital processes, and enhancing asset management for the County. Her time in this role has been marked by excellence, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to public service.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ron Bergstrom, Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners, emphasized her unwavering dedication. “Beth exemplified integrity and an extraordinary work ethic throughout her time with Barnstable County,” Chairman Bergstrom said. “Under her leadership, the County has become stronger and more effective than ever. We will miss her greatly and we wish her nothing but success and fulfillment in the future.”
Vice Chair Sheila Lyons highlighted the transformative impact Ms. Albert made during her years of service: “Beth Albert began her county career in the Department of Human Services, transforming it into a regional leader that fostered collaboration and consensus to address Cape Cod’s challenges. Her work on the Substance Use Taskforce was a model for uniting communities. As County Administrator over the past three and a half years, she built a strong team and raised the standard of excellence in county operations. I thank Beth for her integrity and professionalism, and she will be greatly missed. I wish her many happy years ahead.”
Barnstable County Commissioner Mark Forest added, “We asked Beth Albert to help us bring the county’s budgeting, capital planning, financial management and operations to a whole new level. It has been a challenge, but she embraced it and together we have accomplished a great deal. Her firm and steady style of management has served the County well. We benefited immensely from her strategic foresight, her collaborative approach and her genuine affection for the people of Cape Cod. We are incredibly grateful for all of her many contributions and wish her the best in a well-deserved retirement.”
Michael Dutton assumed the role of Barnstable County Administrator on September 16, 2024. With extensive experience in local government, Mr. Dutton is poised to build on the solid foundation Ms. Albert established during her tenure.
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