Erik Denega named Orange County’s Department of Public Works Commissioner

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced on Monday that Erik Denega has been named the County’s Department of Public Works Commissioner.

Denega will succeed Chris Viebrock, who has accepted a position with Metro-North as a Senior Engineer of Hydrology. Viebrock has also served as the County’s Acting Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the last eight months. His last day with the County will be on Sept. 19^th.

Denega’s first day as DPW Commissioner will be in early-September.

“I’m very pleased about having Mr. Denega join our talented team,” Neuhaus said. “He has the experience, knowledge and personality to lead DPW as the department continues to move ahead on a variety of important projects. Erik is a consummate professional and will be an asset to County taxpayers. I’m sure he will be successful in this role.”

Neuhaus wished Viebrock, who began his service with DPW in 2011, “much success and happiness in all his future endeavors.”

“Chris is to be commended for his many years of service, hard work and dedication to Orange County Government,” Neuhaus added. “Under his guidance, County DPW successfully navigated and delivered on difficult projects such as the Government Center construction, the new Board of Elections building, Scotchtown Avenue and Forge Hill Bridges, as well as various county road and bridge infrastructure projects that have made our roadways safer for residents and visitors.”

Denega is charged with coordinating and overseeing a variety of municipal, institutional, and site-work infrastructure projects. He has served as a Project Manager with Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. for the last six years. Denega previously worked as a Senior Engineer with McGoey, Hauser and Edsall Consulting Engineers, DPC for nearly 13 years.

“We are fortunate to have someone as talented as Erik to lead our Department of Public Works,” said Orange County Legislator Kevin Hines, who represents Cornwall. “I’ve known him for more than 15 years. Erik is extremely capable to take on this important position and is respected by his peers in the industry. We have the utmost confidence in Erik and know he will do an excellent job.”

Denega, a Cornwall resident, received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University in 1999. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and certified Project Management Professional (PMP). 

“I appreciate County Executive Neuhaus giving me the opportunity to serve in this critical role at such an important time,” Denega said. “I look forward to collaborating with the County Executive, the Legislature and the County’s talented DPW team to develop a variety of creative solutions to continue to improve the County’s infrastructure. I’m eager to get to work.”

The DPW Commissioner is subject to confirmation by the Orange County Legislature. County Executive Neuhaus is expected to present Denega for confirmation in the coming weeks.