Deputy Westchester County Executive Richard Wishnie will retire at the end of the month and county Director of Operations Joan McDonald will move into his position, it was announced Jan. 14 by County Executive Ken Jenkins.
Wishnie’s career in public office began in 1976 when he was a councilman in the Town of Ossining. From 1979 to 1983 he served as Ossining Town Supervisor. From 1983 to 1988 he served as director of operations for the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. He was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 1993, where he served six terms representing the Town of Ossining, the Villages of Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, and Croton-on-Hudson, as well as portions of the Town of Cortlandt. After George Latimer resigned as county executive to assume his position in Congress, Wishnie was appointed acting county executive. When Ken Jenkins assumed the county executive post, Wishnie became deputy county executive.
“Richard Wishnie’s career has been defined by deep commitment, thoughtful leadership and a genuine love for public service,” Jenkins said. “He helped guide this county through countless challenges with steadiness and integrity. His institutional knowledge, kindness and dedication have left a lasting mark on Westchester County.”
Wishnie said that it has been an honor and privilege for him to serve the people of Westchester.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together and the dedicated public servants I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside,” Wishnie said. “I thank County Executive Jenkins for his faith in me, and I leave knowing the county is in strong, capable hands.”
The county’s Director of Operations Joan McDonald is being promoted to deputy county executive. Before her role at the county McDonald served as commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, and before that was commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. She also has been serving as chair of the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency and Local Development Corporation, and the NYS Bridge Authority.
Jenkins said, “Joan’s experience, judgment, and steady leadership make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. She has dedicated her career to strengthening communities, and her leadership will continue to be a tremendous asset to Westchester County.”
McDonald said that she is honored to have been named to the deputy county executive post and looks forward to working closely with Jenkins.
Emily Saltzman has been promoted to director of operations. For about a decade Saltzman has been deputy director of operations.
Jenkins said, “Emily’s promotion reflects her deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership, and personal commitment to this county. She understands how government works and how to make it work better for the people we serve.”
Saltzman said that she looks forward to continue serving the people of Westchester County.
