Metzger and Skoufis Applaud State Appointments

ORANGE COUNTY – New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins has appointed two Orange County experts to important state bodies, based on the recommendation of Senators Jen Metzger (SD-42) and James Skoufis (SD-39).

Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director of Fearless! (formerly Safe Homes of Orange County), has been appointed to the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family Trust Fund Advisory Board on the dual recommendation of both senators.

For almost a decade, Kostyal-Larrier has served as the Executive Director of Safe Homes of Orange County, the only comprehensive domestic violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking program in Orange County, and since 2017, in Sullivan County, as well. A natural choice for Senators Skoufis and Metzger to propose to the Senate’s majority leader, Kostyal-Larrier will advise and make recommendations to the Office of Children and Family Services in developing program standards relating to the establishment of family violence prevention and service programs.

The Majority Leader also accepted Michele McKeon to the Senate’s Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee. Before becoming Chief Operation Officer for the Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP), the designated anti-poverty agency in Orange County that assists low-income families with housing, utilities, health insurance, and employment, McKeon worked for multiple not-for-profits varying in size and mission, each of which were reliant on grants and government contracting.

“I have come to know both of these women leaders in my work to address the needs of our Orange County communities, and know that their expertise and wealth of experience will be an invaluable asset to the state bodies on which they will serve,” said Senator Jen Metzger.

“Kellyann’s leadership and years of work protecting domestic violence survivors and their families will be a great asset to the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family Trust Fund Advisory Board, which focuses on family violence prevention and service programs,” said Senator Metzger. “Michelle’s extensive nonprofit background and unique perspective at the helm of RECAP will greatly benefit the work of the Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee, which advises state agencies on the not-for-profit short-term revolving loan fund and makes recommendations on improving organizations’ contracting procedures with municipalities. I am so pleased to see these two women selected by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for these appointments.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I thank and commend Senators Jen Metzger and James Skoufis for their recommendations to ensure that their communities are well represented. Senators Metzger and Skoufis put forth a great amount of effort to identify and advocate for the best voices to represent Orange County and the region on these important councils.”

Senator Skoufis said, “I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for recognizing two incredible women in our community to be part of these key state councils. Kellyann and Michelle have made incredible impacts in Orange County; from Kellyann’s dedication to combatting domestic violence with Fearless’ programs and advocacy, to Michelle’s work empowering our low-income communities through RECAP, it’s safe to say our county is better off because of the work of these two women. I’m so grateful for their continued commitment to making our community a better, safer place and look forward to them having a new voice on our state boards.”

“I look forward to the positive impact that Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director, Fearless!, will have on the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family Trust Fund Advisory Board and that Michele McKeon, COO of the Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP), will have on the Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee,” said Stewart-Cousins.

Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees.

James Skoufis represents the 39th Senate District, which includes parts of Orange, and Ulster, and Rockland Counties. Senator Skoufis serves as Chairman of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee and sits on the Agriculture, Finance, Internet and Technology, Local Government, Transportation, and Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committees.