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Hudson Today
By the People, for the People
First Woman of Color Becomes Sheriff in New York State
Jackie Salvatore breaks new ground as the first female sheriff of color in Columbia County
Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:23pm
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Jackie Salvatore has become the first woman of color to serve as sheriff in New York state. Salvatore, now the sheriff of Columbia County, has a distinguished 28-year career with the state police, including four years undercover and retiring as a detail commander. After retiring, she returned to serve as undersheriff of Columbia County in 2021 before being elected sheriff.
Why it matters
Salvatore's appointment as the first woman of color to serve as sheriff in New York state is a historic milestone that highlights the progress being made in diversifying law enforcement leadership. As a trailblazer, her experiences and leadership style can provide important insights into the challenges and opportunities for women and people of color in policing.
The details
During her time in the state police, Salvatore faced challenges as a woman of color, including a lack of women's facilities at some stations and inappropriate comments from coworkers. However, she has used those experiences to shape her own leadership approach, focused on transparency, community involvement, and supporting the wellbeing of her staff. As sheriff, Salvatore is working to address the current shortage of officers and the state of policing more broadly.
- Salvatore spent 28 years with the New York State Police, including 4 years undercover.
- Salvatore retired from the state police and returned to serve as undersheriff of Columbia County in 2021.
- Salvatore was elected as the first woman of color to serve as sheriff in New York state in 2022.
The players
Jackie Salvatore
The first woman of color to serve as sheriff in New York state, with a distinguished 28-year career in the state police.
Columbia County
The county in New York where Salvatore serves as sheriff.
What they’re saying
“During my four years as undersheriff, my door in the hallway was always open. Sometimes, some of the deputies and investigators, and communications people would stop by and say hello and I'd ask how they're doing.”
— Jackie Salvatore, Sheriff (WNYT)
“When I went into state police, there were stations that didn't have women's locker rooms or bathrooms. Women in policing has grown significantly.”
— Jackie Salvatore, Sheriff (WNYT)
“The decisions you make at the top have the most profound impact on the person at the bottom.”
— Jackie Salvatore, Sheriff (WNYT)
What’s next
Sheriff Salvatore plans to continue working to address the state of policing and the current shortage of officers in Columbia County.
The takeaway
Salvatore's appointment as the first woman of color to serve as sheriff in New York state is a significant milestone that highlights the progress being made in diversifying law enforcement leadership. Her experiences and leadership approach, shaped by the challenges she faced as a woman of color in policing, can provide valuable insights for the future of the profession.
