POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has selected Shannon Decker to serve as Dutchess County Commissioner of Finance following the retirement of Commissioner Heidi Seelbach on Friday, May 1st. Ms. Decker currently serves as Senior Research Analyst for the Department of Finance.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “We wish Heidi Seelbach the very best as she retires and begins her next chapter. Shannon Decker has been an integral part of our Finance Department, and her leadership, professionalism, and institutional knowledge make her a strong successor to the Commissioner of Finance role. She has worked closely with our outstanding Finance team for years, and she understands both the complexity of the work and the dedication of the people who do it. Together with the Finance team, she will continue to build on the established strong foundation to ensure the County’s finances remain stable, strong and responsibly managed.”
Ms. Decker has served in the County’s Department of Finance for nearly 19 years. She joined the department in 2007 as an Accountant and advanced to Senior Accountant and then Senior Research Analyst. Ms. Decker has overseen the daily operations of the accounting and cash management units within Finance; supervised the central accounting of claims for state and federal reimbursement; has prepared, reviewed and finalized the County’s annual financial report in accordance with General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards; has trained and supervised accounting staff; and has worked with the Budget Office on revenue projections for annual budget preparation and other financial information. She has additionally overseen the Capital Fund accounting for more than 20 capital projects.
Ms. Decker has a Master of Science in Accountancy from SUNY Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Prior to joining Dutchess County Government, she spent several years working in the private sector, first as a Staff Auditor with Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill, CPAs in Lake Katrine and then as Senior Auditor for Sedore and Company, CPAs in Poughkeepsie. She lives in Pleasant Valley with her children.
The Commissioner of Finance is a steward of public resources, who ensures fiscal integrity for the County to support the delivery of essential services for residents. As Commissioner, Ms. Decker will be the Chief Fiscal Officer of the County, charged with the responsibility of receipt and disbursement of County funds. She will be responsible for enforcement of real property taxes levied for county, town, school district and village purposes. The Commissioner of Finance is responsible for obtaining borrowing on behalf of the County to finance Operating and Capital Programs and the issuance of Official Statements, as required, as well as ensuring all financial records are maintained in accordance with the rules established by the Comptroller of the State of New York and generally accepted accounting standards as prescribed by GASB.
Ms. Decker said, “I am grateful to County Executive Serino for the opportunity to take on this new challenge. It has been a pleasure working with Heidi Seelbach and Director of Fiscal Services John Forte over the years and learning the intricate workings of this complex department – I wish them both the very best in retirement.” The Finance team is made up of hardworking, skilled professionals who care deeply about this county, and I look forward to continuing to work with all of them, as well as other departments throughout County government in this new role.”
County Executive Serino will forward the resolution to appoint Ms. Decker as Finance Commissioner to the Dutchess County Legislature for confirmation at the May 11th board meeting.
