Donat Appointed Poughkeepsie City Manager

POUGHKEEPSIE – Mayor Yvonne Flowers has appointed Joseph P. Donat as Poughkeepsie City Administrator. Donat, who has been serving as the city’s Interim Development Director, was confirmed as Administrator by the Common Council on July 9 and will officially start his new role on July 27, 2024.

Donat has spent his entire career in the public sector, working on both the local and federal levels. During his tenure with the U.S. House of Representatives, he held a number of progressively responsible roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff for former Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18). In this capacity, Donat directed the federal appropriations process throughout the Hudson Valley and positively influenced the office’s bipartisan approach to problem solving, while building the reputation of a results oriented public servant known best for effective engagement and collaboration.

Following his tenure with the federal government, Donat was appointed Newburgh City Manager where he exercised strong operational and fiscal oversight on all municipal affairs. During this time, Donat provided selfless leadership during some of the most challenging times Newburgh has seen, and gained priceless experience as a dedicated executive, savvy communicator and seasoned crisis manager.

“Joseph has done a tremendous job as Interim Development Director and has a firm understanding of how government works, having served on both the municipal and federal level,” Mayor Flowers said. “He has led the city’s efforts on zoning revisions and other key initiatives that will have a positive impact on the city, and I look forward to accomplishing much more with him as he assumes this new role.”

The Poughkeepsie City Administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of the city and supervises all department heads, except the Corporal Counsel and City Chamberlain. The City Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the municipality. In addition, the Administrator works with the Mayor to develop the annual operating budget and the city’s five-year capital plan and present it to the Council for final approval. The City Administrator also assists with managing the development and implementation of policy-based items generated by the Mayor and Common Council.

“It is a great privilege to serve Poughkeepsie as its next City Administrator. I am honored with the vote of confidence to lead our exceptional workforce and work hand-in-hand with Mayor Flowers as we embark upon long-lasting change, rooted in trust, transparency and tireless commitment to the community,” Donat said.

During his time overseeing the Development Department, Donat assisted in creating the framework for the launch of Poughkeepsie’s inaugural Business Improvement District, helped secure several million dollars in funding from the State to advance a number of shovel ready projects throughout the downtown corridor, and most significantly worked with the Mayor and Common Council in amending the Zoning Code, which is expected to be voted upon this fall.