Longtime Town of Penfield employee Linda Cummings honored in February Staff Spotlight for decades of dedicated public service

Penfield, New York – The Town of Penfield is turning its attention this month to a familiar face whose steady presence has quietly helped keep local government on track for years. The February Staff Spotlight honors Linda Cummings, a longtime employee in the Town’s Engineering Department whose dedication stretches back more than two decades.

Linda’s journey with the Town began in 1999. What started as a temporary assignment in the Building Department soon became something much more lasting. Over the years, she took on a series of part-time roles across several departments, including the Town Clerk’s Office, the Recreation Department, and later the Planning and Engineering Department. Each stop added to her understanding of how the Town operates and how its many moving parts fit together.

After stepping away from her career to focus on raising her family, Linda eventually found her way back to Penfield’s municipal offices. This time, she returned in a full-time capacity, joining the Engineering Department as an Office Clerk. Since then, she has become a central figure in the department’s daily operations.

Read also: RCSD seventh graders explore career opportunities and meet local professionals at the annual Future Fair

Her work may not always be visible to residents, but it is essential. Linda handles a wide range of administrative and operational responsibilities that help ensure projects move forward without unnecessary delays. She assists engineers with paperwork and coordination, prepares and monitors documentation tied to development projects, and manages purchase orders and invoices. She also plays a key role in overseeing vendor payments connected to Town initiatives.

Beyond that, Linda supports both the Engineering Department and the Department of Public Works by tracking permits issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, particularly those related to drainage efforts. These permits are critical for maintaining infrastructure and protecting local waterways, and keeping them organized requires careful attention and follow-through.

Her colleagues say she brings exactly that.

“Linda is an invaluable part of our team, providing consistent support that keeps our department running smoothly,” stated Town Engineer Mark Valentine. “Her attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to public service make her a trusted resource for staff, consultants, and residents alike.”

In addition to her daily office responsibilities, Linda also serves as Clerk to both the Transportation Committee and the Watershed Committee. In those roles, she helps coordinate meetings, maintain records, and ensure that important discussions about roads, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship are properly documented.

Town leaders say her long history with Penfield gives her a unique perspective.

“We’re fortunate to have Linda working for the Town of Penfield,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Berry. “Her wealth of experience and positive attitude are a tremendous asset to the Town and its residents.”

Read also: Double Stop trio wins top honors and cash prize at RIT performing arts showcase

That experience, built over decades and across multiple departments, has made Linda a steady hand in an environment where regulations shift, projects evolve, and public needs continue to grow. Her career reflects not just longevity, but adaptability—an ability to step into new roles, learn new systems, and continue serving the community with care.

Outside the office, Linda values time with her family and friends. She also dotes on her “fur babies,” a detail that co-workers say reflects her warm and approachable personality. And like many in Western New York, she is a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, already looking forward to what next season might bring.

For the Town of Penfield, the February Staff Spotlight is more than a simple recognition. It is a reminder that behind every permit processed, every invoice paid, and every committee meeting recorded, there are dedicated public servants making it all happen. This month, that spotlight shines squarely on Linda Cummings — and on the quiet, consistent hard work that keeps local government running day after day.