Assistant County Executive Ronald Hicks to Retire from Government Service

POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced the upcoming retirement from government service of Assistant County Executive Ronald Hicks. Mr. Hicks, who will officially retire May 1st, has dedicated more than 30 years in public service across several layers of government, including the past decade in his current role. 

Assistant County Executive for Economic Development Ron Hicks to retire following 30 years of public service.

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.” 

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, where he had the opportunity to assist a frustrated and exhausted constituent find a solution to their difficult situation. This experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the power and influence of government to solve problems and in many cases be life-changing for individuals.  The 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’ many other accomplishments during his Dutchess County Government tenure include: 

• Consolidated and collocated the primary economic development organizations in Dutchess County to establish the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business;  
• Established and managed the Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC);
• Oversaw the implementation of best practices, policies and measures that held the authorities accountable; 
• Established a local workforce utilization policy; 
• Oversaw the rebranding and business development of the County’s airport as Hudson Valley Regional Airport (HVRA); 
• Collaborated extensively with Dutchess Community College (DCC) for the creation of workforce development pipelines that provide residents with a low-cost pathway to high-demand careers, including the establishment of the school’s Aviation Education Center at HVRA, which included a new $14 million hangar, as well as DCC’s Mechatronics Lab in Fishkill.  
• Reduced Dutchess County’s industrial vacancy rate from 14% to 2%; 
• Increased the LDC’s financing portfolio by more than $1 billion; and  
• Attracted more than 3 million square feet of commercial development. 

Mr. Hicks said, “I am deeply thankful to County Executive Sue Serino. From the beginning, we connected through our shared values, a common commitment to public service and a strong ethical foundation, something that is both uncommon and truly meaningful to me. Leaving government service is genuinely bittersweet, especially because I so deeply appreciated the chance to work by her 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.” 

As part of Mr. Hicks’ retirement transition, County Executive Serino has designated Eoin Wrafter, Commissioner of Planning and Development, to support project facilitation and other Assistant County Executive responsibilities, with Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Cocozza assuming expanded oversight of the Planning Department’s day-to-day operations. 

“From day one, Ron has been a trusted part of my team, and I am fortunate to have had his wisdom, advice and leadership over the past two years. Although we will miss his guidance and insight daily, I’m comforted knowing he’ll continue to call Dutchess County home and am excited to see what the next chapter brings for my friend. I can’t thank Ron enough for his many years of dedicated service to the people of Dutchess County, and I wish him nothing but happiness and success in his well-deserved retirement from government service,” concluded County Executive Serino.