Former New York State Sen. Sue Serino was sworn in on Jan 7 as the ninth Dutchess County executive. She succeeded William F.X. O’Neil, who became county executive in January 2023 to fill out the term of Marc Molinaro who had been elected to Congress representing New York’s 19th Congressional District.
The inauguration took place at Dutchess Community College’s Aviation Education Center, located in a hangar at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport.
“This is not a responsibility that I take lightly, and I could not be more excited and humbled to create a stronger, more united Dutchess County,” Serino said. “I feel so fortunate to call Dutchess County my home and I am grateful to begin this new chapter as County Executive, surrounded by so many family, friends and neighbors today.”
Serino highlighted public safety, increased access to mental health, small business creation and retention, affordable childcare, food insecurity, transportation and affordable housing among her top priorities as she takes office.
“If my time serving in office has taught me anything, it’s how truly fortunate we are to call this county our home,” Serino said. “No place if perfect. all communities have their challenges but at its core Dutchess County is truly a great place to live and work.”
She said she would spend a lot of time listening to what residents of the county have to say about their needs and desires.
Serino and her family live in Hyde Park. She served on the Hyde Park Town Board member and was then elected to serve in the Dutchess County Legislature, followed by eight years in the State Senate. She chaired the and was the ranking member of the Senate’s Committee on Aging. She was ranking member of the Senate’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
