Molinaro Selects Commissioner of Human Resources

Poughkeepsie... Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced he has selected Steven J. Rector to serve as Commissioner of Human Resources.  Mr. Rector has served as Acting Commissioner of Human Resources since July 31st, 2013, following the retirement of former Commissioner Earl Bruno Jr.   Mr. Rector, 37, resides in Poughkeepsie and was born and raised in Dutchess County.

“Steven Rector has demonstrated the leadership, strength, and integrity necessary to serve as Commissioner of Human Resources and address the wide range of complex personnel issues that the Commissioner is responsible for,” said County Executive Molinaro.    “Steve has been a trusted advisor for a long time and I am very pleased he has agreed to take on this important role.   His experience in both the public and private sector will enable him to identify new ways to do business and measure results as we continue to enhance efficiency and productivity in our transformation of county government.”

Mr. Rector is a graduate of Wilkes University. He joined Dutchess County Government in 2012, serving as Director of Budget and Finance for the Department of Health where he was a key member of the management team,  responsible  for the performance oversight of Health Department’s twelve divisions relating to budget and fiscal procedures. In July 2013, he began serving as Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources, a position which had been vacant since November 2012. As Deputy Commissioner, he has been responsible for the department’s budget development, employee position reviews, assessment of Workers Compensation cases in coordination with Risk Management and the third party administrator as well as various other responsibilities.

Prior to his service with Dutchess County Government, Mr. Rector served in New York State government and in the private sector.   He served as Legislative Director for then-Assemblyman Molinaro for two years, researching and advising on public policy initiatives and serving as liaison with state, federal and local agencies.   He was responsible for labor and healthcare issues and legislation.

Mr. Rector worked for more than a decade in the health care industry, beginning his career as Data & Billing Manager for the Visiting Nurse Association/Management Service of Luzerne County in Pennsylvania where he was responsible for all patient billing procedures including staff supervision. He also designed and implemented new billing software to increase efficiency and provide cost savings. He later worked as Reimbursement Manager for Care Health Services in Easton, Maryland where he managed all phases of billing operations and office staff management. He implemented new software, redesigned workflow policies and procedures and automated the payroll generation process to improve customer service, clinical outcomes and operational and financial processes. He also worked as Business Manager for Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, Inc. in Binghamton, New York overseeing bill operations for Home health, Hospice sand Long Term Care programs, including staff supervision, governmental and regulatory issues, budget preparation, and emergency management issues including disaster recovery.

As Commissioner of Human Resources, Mr. Rector is responsible for recruitment, labor relations, and employee benefits for Dutchess County Government. The Commissioner also serves as the local civil service officer, responsible for administering civil service to the cities, towns, villages and school districts in Dutchess County.

“I am honored County Executive Molinaro has selected me for this position and I look forward to taking on this new challenge,” said Mr. Rector. “I am very pleased to be working with such a talented and experienced team. I know together we will continue to improve and enhance the important work that is done every day for our county departments as well as our local municipalities.”

County Executive Molinaro has forwarded the resolution to appoint Mr. Rector as Human Resources Commissioner to the Dutchess County Legislature for confirmation at the August 12th board meeting. The appointment is a six year term and will be effective upon confirmation by the County Legislature.