Jeffrey Kehm

Fair, Thoughtful. Collaborative.

Current Employer & Job Title: Clinton County Assistant District Attorney

Age: 37

Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and Juris Doctor from Northeastern University

At first glance, Jeffrey might seem exactly what you would expect from a seasoned prosecutor — thoughtful, measured, analytical, and deeply committed to the pursuit of justice. And to be fair, all of those things are true. But spend a little more time with the Assistant District Attorney in the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office and another picture starts to emerge: artist, skier, golfer, Rotarian, outdoors man, and proud North Country dad.

In three words, how would others describe your personal brand—and where do those traits show up most in your work?

Fair, thoughtful, and collaborative. Those traits show up most clearly in my work as a prosecutor. My role is not only about outcomes, but about ensuring that each case is handled with fairness and integrity. I carefully evaluate the facts, consider multiple perspectives, and work closely with law enforcement and colleagues to ensure decisions are grounded in the law and focused on justice.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely—and how have you influenced it?

The most important part of our office culture is its commitment to mentorship and support. Early in my career at the District Attorney’s Office, I was fortunate to have strong mentors who invested in my development and set an example I continue to follow today. That experience has influenced how I approach my role now. I make it a priority to be available to newer attorneys, share what I’ve learned, and help continue a culture where people are supported as they develop in a demanding profession.

Where do you invest your time outside of work, and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Most of my time outside of work is centered around my family. We are fortunate to live in the North Country, where there are so many opportunities to be outdoors year-round, and we take full advantage of that.

In the winter, we ski together at Titus Mountain, Whiteface Mountain, and Beartown, where my son has joined the ski team. In the warmer months, we spend time hiking as a family and being outdoors whenever we can.

Golf is also something special between just my son and me, and we enjoy time at the driving range and on the course together. Those moments are important because they allow us to connect in a different way and build lasting memories.

I’m also a member of the Noon Rotary Club, where I serve on the Service and Bed Race Committees, which gives me another meaningful way to stay engaged with the community and work with other civic-minded individuals with backgrounds beyond the legal profession.

Who has most influenced your leadership style—and what specific lesson from them still shapes how you lead today?

District Attorney Andrew Wylie has had the greatest influence on my development as an attorney, and I’ve watched him lead the office through some truly momentous events, including the Dannemora prison escape and an unprecedented string of homicides. A large part of his effectiveness is the clear direction he has set for the office. I’ve learned that if the leadership of an organization does not have that vision for what needs to be accomplished, then it’s really difficult to expect the employees under that leadership to thrive.  

Where are you making your greatest impact right now—and how do you measure it?

I currently serve as the primary narcotics prosecutor and handle major crimes for the City of Plattsburgh. The impact of this work is not something that can be fully captured through statistics alone.

While there are measurable aspects of the job, I believe the most meaningful indicator is whether victims and families feel their cases were handled with care, respect, and integrity. My focus is on ensuring that justice is pursued thoughtfully and responsibly in every case.

What’s something about you that would surprise people—and what does it reveal about how you think or operate?

I have a strong appreciation for the arts. In school I played saxophone and won awards for drawing. I still enjoy drawing when time allows. Creativity has always been an important outlet for me, and it reflects how I approach my work. I try to understand problems from multiple perspectives rather than a single angle.

What is one lesson your career has taught you that you had to learn the hard way—and how has it changed you?

My career has taught me the importance of staying open-minded and committed to continuous learning. In the practice of law, you are constantly learning by doing, and even experienced attorneys regularly face challenges or issues they’ve never encountered before. That process has reinforced humility, adaptability, and the importance of listening and continuing to grow rather than becoming fixed in one approach.

What is the biggest professional or personal risk you’ve taken—and would you make the same decision again? Why or why not?

Professionally, after approximately five years with the District Attorney’s Office, I left to work as an attorney for the Clinton County Department of Social Services. It was a major shift into an area of law I had no prior experience in. That work was rewarding, but it also helped me realize just how passionate I was for the work I did as a prosecutor, and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to return to the District Attorney’s Office to continue that work.

On a personal level, moving to Plattsburgh just after law school. While my wife is from the North Country, I came here without knowing exactly how things would unfold. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful I made that decision and it shaped both my career and my family life in ways I could not have anticipated.

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” reflects how well we lead, market to, and innovate across generations. Where are we getting it right—and where do we need to evolve?

We do well when we highlight the wide range of people and organizations contributing meaningfully to our region. There is a significant amount of important work happening locally that often goes unseen. Continuing to be intentional about telling those stories and bringing visibility to efforts across various sectors so that individuals, especially younger generations, can better see how they can engage and find meaningful ways to contribute to our community.

What’s one idea, belief, or change you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our region?

Collaboration will be essential to the future of leadership in the North Country. Many of the challenges we face require coordinated efforts across organizations, sectors, and communities.