Skoufis Rounds Out Team with Skilled Local Hires

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) is proud to announce the promotion of staffer Matthew Fascaldi to the role of Director of Constituent Services, and to welcome Director of Operations Nicole Clarke, and Director of Communications, Valerie Best.

“Matthew has been committed to serving the constituents of Orange County since he began in this office, and I have no doubt he will continue to be an asset to our team and the community we serve,” says Skoufis. “Both Nicole and Valerie share this office’s deep commitment to public service, and bring their own unique experience and energy into these new roles. I look forward to collaborating with them as we work to advance the goals of our district.”

About Director of Constituent Services Matthew Fascaldi
“I always try to remember that the work we do impacts people’s lives,” Fascaldi says. “I want to be the type of person that I would want to speak to, if I were calling this office in need of help.”

Matthew Fascaldi began his work with Senator Skoufis in 2022 as a Constituent Services Specialist, quickly establishing himself as a steady and compassionate advocate for Orange County constituents. Originally from Rockland County, Fascaldi is from a multigenerational family of plumbers. He graduated from the Storm King School as a member of the National Honor Society, and with an early focus on public service, earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

The first in his family to graduate college, Matthew earned a degree in Corporate Communications with a minor in Marketing and Economics from Baruch College.

The Coast Guard’s mission of service always appealed to him, but when injury and illness led to a discharge from Active Duty, Matthew knew he wanted to continue to work in public service. He found that opportunity through this office and is looking forward to continuing to deliver strong service and support to the people of Orange county.

About Director of Operations Nicole Clarke
“Serving the communities of Orange County is a high priority for me,” Clarke says. “Putting the ideas and goals of the Senator at the forefront, I hope to develop and execute new growth directives for this office to do just that.”

Nicole Clarke is a longtime resident of the Hudson Valley and a graduate of Wallkill High School. She has B.A. in Healthcare Management and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University. Nicole comes to Senator Skoufis’ office as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, with expertise in helping operations and individuals create processes and build platforms that guide them to success.

A business owner herself, Clarke’s previous professional experience focused on providing small businesses with resources to help them succeed. Additional experience includes opportunities large and small – from single-office Covid testing to state-wide nurse procurement within schools.

Clarke loves to hike and has been a runner in the New York City Marathon. She is excited to channel her energy into serving the 42nd District.

About Director of Communications Valerie Best
“The communications office has the power to truly engage,” says Best. “One of the most compelling responsibilities of this role is distilling complex ideas into accessible content, so busy constituents can stay informed, without feeling overwhelmed.”

A California native, Valerie Best comes to this role with over a decade of professional writing experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University, and studied English Literature with an emphasis in critical writing at Brooklyn College.

Valerie has written for corporate brands and political campaigns ranging from city council to Congressional seats. She believes in the power of engagement and outreach through communication of all kinds, and of reaching people where they are. Senator Skoufis’ work is done on behalf of his constituents, and she believes they deserve to know and take part in that work, being both recipients and partners in it.

A resident of the Hudson Valley, Valerie is thrilled to fill the role of Director of Communications and looks forward to the opportunity to serve the 42nd District.