Meier received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974 and a law degree fromSyracuse University shortly after. Following his admittance to the New YorkBar in 1977, Meier served as deputy Onondaga County attorney for a year. Anassociate in the law offices of Paul A. Worlock until 1983, Meier later becamea partner in the Rome law firm of McMahon and Grow until 1991.
Meier began his career in government in 1978 as legislative counsel to thelate State Senator James H. Donovan. He also served as corporation counsel forthe City of Rome until 1983.
Prior to becoming county executive, Meier served as an Oneida Countylegislator in the 35th District. Throughout his career, he also has beenassistant majority leader, chairman of the Courts and Law EnforcementCommittee, chairman of the Economic Development Committee, and vice chairman ofthe Environmental Conservation Committee.
Meier took office as Oneida County's seventh county executive in January 1991.He was the unanimous choice of the bi-partisan Oneida County Board ofLegislators to fill the unexpired term of John Plumley, following hisresignation. Meier then won election to his first full term as countyexecutive in November 1991 by a wide margin and subsequently won his secondterm unopposed in 1995.
The Ralph E. and Doris M. Hansmann Lecture Series was established in 1993 tohonor Hansmann, Class of 1940, and his wife. The series supports annuallectures in the field of public policy.
