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Mayor Appoints Poughkeepsie’s First Female City Administrator

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Deborah McDonnell is set to become the first female city administrator in Poughkeepsie’s history.

Mayor Rob Rolison has appointed Deborah McDonnell as the city of Poughkeepsie's first female city administrator.

Mayor Rob Rolison has appointed Deborah McDonnell as the city of Poughkeepsie's first female city administrator.

Photo Credit: File

McDonnell, whose appointment by Mayor Rob Rolison is expected to be confirmed by the Poughkeepsie Common Council on Tuesday, is returning to New York state after working for 10 years as the city administrator in Fairborn, Ohio, according to a statement. Previously, she served as director of community development for the village of Saranac Lake, N.Y.

While hailing her work in Ohio and Saranac Lake, Rolison said McDonnell stood out from a pack of 35 applicants seeking to fill the position.

“It was clear from the onset that Deborah McDonnell was the right person to assume the position of city administrator,” the mayor said. “Her abilities and proven track record of working together in a team approach are exactly what our city needs.”

Anne Saylor, head of the mayor’s transition team, said McDonnell will bring a “wealth of experience and energy” to the city that will facilitate strong relationships with the community and the City Council.

Poughkeepsie Police Chief Ronald Knapp, who has served as acting city administrator since Jan. 1, said he is confident that McDonnell will be "an asset to the city."

“As a long-term city employee who has served on numerous search committees, I was pleased that we were able to select a candidate with the experience and qualifications of Deborah McDonnell,” the chief said. “Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and personality will serve the city well.”

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