Before the organizational meeting of the Albany County Legislature could officially begin Thursday, they had to take care of an important piece of business – the biannual tradition of electing the person who would lead the body for the next two years.

After a quick vote, the Legislature unanimously reelected District 9 Legislator Andrew Joyce to his third term as Chairman. Joyce, the youngest person to serve in the Chair’s position, has led the body through the last two years of the COVID pandemic, navigating remote meetings, vaccine efforts and most recently, mask and testing kit distribution while ensuring sound budgets and strong policies.

“Serving as Chairman of the Albany County Legislature has been one of the highest honors of my career in public service, one that’s taken me all over the world,” Joyce said. “It’s very humbling to be yet again selected by my peers to lead the policy-making body of Albany County into the future. We will focus on mitigating the effects of this pandemic, passing strong, progressive policies and fiscally responsible budgets. I’m excited for what comes next.”

Also on the agenda was the reappointment of Necole Chambers as Clerk of the Legislature. Prior to her appointment in 2020, Chamber worked for Albany County since 1993. Paul Devane was reappointed as First Deputy Clerk. Devane has served the Legislature since 1974, a blend of new and experienced perspective.

“I want to thank Chairman Joyce and the Legislature for reappointing me to this position. I look forward to help the Legislature continue to do the great work they do for Albany County,” Chambers said. “I also want to thank Paul for continuing as my deputy and I look forward to continue to work alongside him over the next two years.”