About Shawn

Shawn Lavin is a lifelong Western New Yorker who has proudly dedicated more than two decades to serving his community and country. Raised in a working-class family, Shawn learned early on the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education. He achieved his goals through dedication—a loving family, a fulfilling career, and a home in a world-class community. Shawn believes his mission as a committed public servant is to help others achieve their version of the American Dream. First elected to the Amherst Town Board in 2017, he is eager to expand his role to his community as its next Town Supervisor.

Shawn earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Buffalo State University. After graduation, as the United States was engaged in multiple conflicts during the War on Terror, he felt a deep calling to serve his country and joined the Air National Guard. Over the past 21 years, Shawn Lavin, earning the rank of Major, has played a pivotal role in emergency response efforts, including deployments to New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic and North Carolina during the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. While serving in the Air National Guard, he furthered his education by earning a Master’s in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport. 

Shawn began his civilian career in the private sector, spending 11 years at Paychex in Rochester, a leading payroll, HR, and benefits solutions provider for small businesses. His experience at Paychex gave him valuable insights into the challenges small business owners face, fostering a lifelong commitment to supporting their success. 

Shawn has been an employee of Erie County since 2010. As an investigator in the Medicaid anti-fraud unit, he helped uncover fraud, waste, and abuse. He previously served as the Director of Veterans Affairs and is the current Deputy Commissioner of Personnel. 

Since his election to the Amherst Town Board in 2017, Shawn has championed numerous initiatives that have directly improved the lives of Amherst residents. Among his proudest achievements:

• Advocating for Veterans: Shawn spearheaded the establishment of Purple Heart Parking at all Amherst municipal buildings, ensuring greater recognition and convenience for Purple Heart recipients.
• Protecting Domestic Violence Victims: He streamlined the Domestic Incident Report process for law enforcement officers, improving compliance with state reporting requirements while saving valuable time during emergency responses.
• Enhancing Community Spaces: Shawn secured funding for a new playground along Tonawanda Creek, creating a safe and enjoyable space for local families.
• Promoting Fiscal Transparency: His most significant legislative accomplishment is the Transparency in Budget Process Law, which revolutionized Amherst’s budget process. This initiative has empowered residents with a stronger voice in spending their tax dollars, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in local government.

Shawn and his wife, Kate, are proud to raise their two young children in Amherst, where he is an enthusiastic and dedicated tee-ball coach. His commitment to public service, whether in the military, private sector, or local government, reflects his unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more vibrant community for all.