Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced that Kerry Gallagher has been named the County’s Commissioner of Finance.

“Kerry has the experience, knowledge and personality to lead the Finance Department,” Neuhaus said. “She is a consummate professional with a head for numbers and seeing the big picture. Kerry is a team player who is enthusiastic about leading the Finance Department and will do a great job.”

Commissioner Gallagher will administer the County’s finances, including banking, investment, debt issuance, payroll, accounts payable, property tax collection, and financial reporting. Gallagher, of Montgomery, previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Finance for four years. Prior to that, she was Deputy Commissioner in Orange County’s Department of Health. 

Gallagher was responsible for oversight of all fiscal administration, including both the Finance and Health Department’s annual budgets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants administration, payroll, and the collection of Medicare and Medicaid revenue.

“We are very fortunate to have someone as talented as Kerry to lead the County’s Finance department,” said Katie Bonelli, Chairwoman of the Orange County Legislature. “Kerry is extremely capable of taking on this challenge, and she will continue to improve the financial operations of Orange County. She is respected and well-liked by her peers and will do a wonderful job at the helm of this important department.”

Prior to coming to Orange County government almost six years ago, Gallagher accumulated 13 years of progressive financial management experience in the private sector. 

“I’m grateful to County Executive Neuhaus for giving me the opportunity to serve in this critical role,” Gallagher said. “I look forward to collaborating with County Executive Neuhaus, the Legislature and the County’s various departments to continue to improve Orange County’s fiscal health. It will be gratifying to continue to work with the talented staff in the Finance Department.”

The Commissioner of Finance position is subject to confirmation by the Orange County Legislature. County Executive Neuhaus will present Gallagher for confirmation in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.

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