Ronald Hicks to Retire from Post
As Asst. Dutchess County Exec.
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced on Jan. 30 the impending retirement from government service of Assistant County Executive Ronald Hicks.
Mr. Hicks, who will officially retire on May 1, has dedicated more than 30 years to public service across several layers of government, including the past decade in his current role.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Ron has been a tireless advocate for our neighbors, always working to make government accessible, accountable and efficient. His leadership in economic development and his dedication to making government more responsive have made Dutchess County a model throughout New York State. The impact of his work will reap positive benefits throughout our community for years to come.”
Mr. Hicks, a fourth-generation Dutchess County resident, began a career of public service with a college internship with the Office of the Speaker of the New York State Assembly. That experience propelled a career in public service that included multiple leadership roles in both state and county government, including district director for the late Assemblymember Eileen Hickey, Dutchess County deputy county clerk, regional director for former Gov. George Pataki and regional director for Empire State Development.
In 2012, he returned to Dutchess County government to serve as Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Planning & Economic Development and was responsible for transforming the county’s economic development program. He forged strong and productive partnerships with community-based, economic, and educational organizations, and led the establishment of the County’s Economic Development Advisory Council and the Th!nk Dutchess Alliance for Business.
In 2015, he was appointed Assistant County Executive for Economic Development, serving as senior policy advisor aiding in the oversight and strategic planning of county departments, agencies and public authorities, including overseeing contracts and initiatives tied to employment, workforce, agribusiness, tourism and economic development.
Mr. Hicks said, “Leaving government service is genuinely bittersweet, especially because I so deeply appreciated the chance to work by Sue Serino’s side. We are aligned in what matters most, and beyond that, she leads with a level of empathy, sincerity and caring that is rare to find. It has been a true honor to serve the residents of Dutchess County, to work under Sue’s leadership and to stand with an extraordinary team of colleagues I trust and respect.”
Published: February 3, 2026