WHAT'S NEW & WHO'S NEWS
Thomas Feighery Appointed Putnam DPW Commissioner
CARMEL, NY—Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced recently his appointment of Thomas “Tommy” Feighery as Putnam County’s new Commissioner of the Department of Public Works.
Mr. Feighery was initially named Acting Administrator of the Department of Highway & Facilities, prior to it being reorganized into the Department of Public Works. He’s been serving in this capacity since County Executive Byrne took office earlier this year.
“Commissioner Feighery has been an asset to Putnam County for many years and I’m proud to have him continue his service as DPW Commissioner,” said County Executive Byrne. “Tommy’s done an excellent job so far, assisting us through a massive storm back in July that caused millions of dollars in damage to county roads and property. He’s risen to the occasion numerous times, has lifted spirits and morale in the department, and continues to display pride in the mission and work conducted by the men and women in DPW. Tommy’s attitude, professionalism, and willingness to work tirelessly for the residents of Putnam County will continue to be a huge benefit for our entire community.”
Mr. Feighery was chosen after a competitive interview process by a selection committee that included Director of Personnel Paul Eldridge, Deputy Director of Personnel Adriene Iasoni, Chair of Physical Services Committee Legislator Bill Gouldman, Chair of Audit Committee (former Chair of Physical Services) Legislator Joseph Castellano, former Putnam Valley Highway Superintendent Larry Cobb and Deputy County Executive Jim Burpoe.
Mr. Feighery’s nomination must now be confirmed by a majority vote of the Putnam County Legislature according to the Putnam County Charter.
Mr. Feighery previously served as Deputy County Executive under Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell after serving as a project manager in the county’s Highway & Facilities Department. He has extensive experience in building and construction management, having supervised commercial, residential, and tunnel construction for more than 30 years in Manhattan with Local 147 Sandhogs. He also brings experience as a small business owner from operating Fiddler’s Green Pub for 35 years before selling it to its present owners.
Gov. Wants Frank Hoare to Serve As Thruway’s Executive Director
ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sept. 18 she is recommending Frank Hoare to the Board of Directors of the Thruway Authority to serve as the Authority’s Executive Director.
Upon appointment by the Thruway Authority Board of Directors and subject to confirmation by the Senate, Mr. Hoare will continue to lead the state’s 570-mile superhighway system, first founded in 1954. Mr. Hoare’s nomination will be submitted after the Senate convenes in January 2024. He was appointed Interim Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority in December 2022.
“Millions of New Yorkers rely on the Thruway every year to get to work, move their goods to market, and see their loved ones,” Gov. Hochul said. “Having seen first-hand his leadership as Interim Executive Director through historic storms across the state, I know that Frank Hoare has the skills and experience required to keep the Thruway Authority moving and New Yorkers safe.”
New York State Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Hoare said, “I’m honored to have the full confidence of Governor Hochul and her administration to lead the incredibly dedicated team at the Thruway Authority as we continue our system-wide modernization efforts and sustained investments in our infrastructure. Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable highway for hundreds of millions of motorists each year. The 570-mile Thruway is a critical corridor supporting the movement of goods to benefit New York State’s economy and the entire Northeast, and I am humbled to have this opportunity.”
Mr. Hoare has served as the General Counsel of the authority since December 2020. His legal career has included both state government service and private practice including previous positions as Associate Counsel at the N.Y.S. Division of Military & Naval Affairs, Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Legislative Affairs, General Counsel at the N.Y.S. Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services, Deputy Attorney General for Regional Affairs and Deputy Counsel to the Attorney General, and Counsel to Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Chair of the Assembly Ways & Means Committee.
He was a partner at a firm specializing in litigation for six years and early in his career was an associate at several firms engaged in civil litigation in federal and state courts. Mr. Hoare served as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve for 28 years, including four overseas deployments. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University at Albany and his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School.
‘Skill Up Rockland’ IDA Initiative Will Create Three Internships Via RCC
SUFFERN, NY—The County of Rockland Industry Development Agency reported on Aug. 28 it is partnering with Rockland Community College on a “Skill Up Rockland” internship program. The Rockland IDA will provide internship stipends totaling $7,500 to support three RCC students pursuing internships in fields aligned with industry, economics, and business. The stipends, each valued at $2,500, will be awarded to one student per semester—Fall, Spring, and Summer.
The internship stipends will directly benefit RCC students interning at businesses within Rockland County, contributing to both the students’ educational experience and the economic growth of the region. To be selected for the internship stipends, students will undergo an assessment process, which considers factors such as financial need and the submission of an essay outlining how their targeted internship aligns with their career goals. While the selected students will not intern directly for the IDA, they will be interning through RCC Career Services, thereby ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience.
“The collaboration between Rockland IDA and RCC represents a crucial step towards fostering economic development and supporting our local talent,” remarked Steven Porath, executive director of the RCIDA. “We are excited to partner with the RCC Foundation to invest in the future workforce of Rockland County.”
Kevin Stump, VP of Economic Mobility + Workforce Innovation, added, “This partnership exemplifies RCC’s commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities for growth and real-world experience. We are deeply grateful to the Rockland IDA for their generous support in helping our students achieve their academic and professional aspirations.” For further information about the partnership and the internship stipends, please contact Joan F.X. Halligan, RCC’s Executive Director of Development, at 845-587-6482 or at [email protected]