Serino Sworn in as 9th Dutchess County Executive

POUGHKEEPSIE – Despite the region’s first storm of the winter season dropping more than a foot of snow on Dutchess County, more than 350 guests, including family, friends, elected officials, community and business leaders, all gathered this afternoon to support Sue Serino as she took her Oath of Office as Dutchess County’s ninth County Executive.

Hon. James Brands, former justice for the Dutchess County Supreme Court in the 9th Judicial District of New York, administered the oath to County Executive Serino during a ceremonial event held at Dutchess Community College’s Aviation Education Center at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger.

County Executive Serino said, “I am so honored and humbled to be with you all as I take my ceremonial Oath of Office for this position. As I get to work for Dutchess County, I want to thank each and every one of you for the support you have given me and the trust you have placed in me to lead our County. 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.”

Dutchess County Executive Serino offers remarks at her Oath of Office ceremony.
Dutchess County Executive Serino offers remarks at her Oath of Office ceremony.

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. Constituent service and community engagement will be central in all efforts.

A lifelong Dutchess County resident who has lived in Hyde Park with her family for more than 20 years, County Executive Serino was a small business owner for more than a quarter-century. As a businesswoman facing difficulties navigating working with local government, she felt compelled to embark on a career in public service to alleviate such bureaucracy and promote economic development.

She began as a Hyde Park Town Board member and was then elected to serve in the Dutchess County Legislature, followed by an eight-year tenure in the New York State Senate. A strident supporter of older adults and their caregivers, she served as the Chair and the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Committee on Aging, as well as the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation. A passionate proponent for veterans and their families, she fervently advocated for consistent funding for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program.

County Executive 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 at our Hudson Valley Regional Airport because I believe the sky is truly the limit on all we can accomplish together for Dutchess County.”

Video of the County Executive’s Oath of Office ceremony will be available on Dutchess County Government’s website or a replay of the live stream can be viewed on the County’s Facebook page.