countyDutchess County Legislature
2026106
CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF DAVID C. WHALEN AS ACTING COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
- Introduced
- June 7, 2026
- Latest action
- June 7, 2026
- Status
- ADOPTED
- District coverage
- scope: countywide
Document text
Extracted from the official document; OCR may contain errors.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026106
RE:
CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF DAVID C. WHALEN AS ACTING
COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Legislators VALDES SMITH, ATKINS, MUNN, POLASEK, METZGER, BRENDLI,
CASWELL, DARROW, FAUST, GILES, HOUSE, MCHOUL and TRESCA offer the following
and move its adoption:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Dutchess County Charter, the County
Executive appointed David C. Whalen as the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public
Works effective May 23, 2026 for a period of 40 days, and
WHEREAS, the County Executive has requested that Mr. Whalen's appointment be
extended for an additional period of six (6) months beyond the 40-day period, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3.04 of the Dutchess County Charter, this Legislature has
the authority to extend Mr. Whalen's appointment, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that David C. Whalen is confirmed as Acting Commissioner of the
Department of Public Works until January 2, 2027.
CA-067-26
CEB/rjw
G-0188
5/13/26; rev'd 5/27/26
Fiscal Impact: See Attached.
APPROVED
Susand Serenio
SUSAN J. SERINO
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Dato Sane 12, 2024
STATE OF NEW YORK
SS:
COUNTY OF DUTCHESS
This is to certift that I, the undersigned Clerk of the Legislature of the County of Dutchess, have compared the foregoing Resolution with the original
Resolution not on file in the office of said Cleck, and which was adopted br said Legislature on the 8th dar of June, 2026, and the same a true and correct
transcript of said original Resolution and the whole thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set mr hand and seal of said Legislature this 9th dar of
JULIE SHIROISHI, CLERK OF THE LEGISLATURE
COORDINATION
Initialing indicates information only:
County Executive
C& D County Attorney (as to form)
RB Cy Public Works
I Budget
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
• NO FISCAL IMPACT PROJECTED
APPROPRIATION RESOLUTIONS
(To be completed by requesting department)
Total Current Year Cost $ 0
Total Current Year Revenue $
and Source
Source of County Funds (check one):
• Existing Appropriations, Contingency,
• Transfer of Existing Appropriations, • Additional Appropriations, • Other (explain).
Identify Line Items(s):
Related Expenses:
Nature/Reason:
Amount $
Anticipated Savings to County:
Net County Cost (this year):
Over Five Years:
Additional Comments/Explanation:
Prepared by: Benjamin Traudt
Prepared On: 5/13/2026
Dut.pdf
SUE SERINO
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
22 Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845-486-2000
DutcHess COUNTY GOVERNMENT
May 13, 2026
Mr. Bradford Kendall
Dutchess County Clerk
22 Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Dear County Clerk Kendall:
I hereby appoint David Whalen as Acting Commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Public
Works, starting on May 23, 2026. He will serve as Acting Commissioner until a successor Commissioner is
appointed by me and confirmed by the Legislature.
Jave has served in a Deputy capacity of senior leadership in the department for the past 9 years and has
demonstrated his ability to oversee the divisions, institute initiatives for the department and carry capital
projects through to their completion.
Pursuant to the Dutchess County Charter, Acting Commissioner Whalen may serve for 40 days, and after
such time, the Legislature must confirm the extension of his appointment. I intend to request that the
Legislature confirm such extended appointment at the June 8, 2026 Board Meeting of the Legislature.
Sincerely,
Sue Serio
Sue Serino
Dutchess County Executive
Cc:
Julie Shirioshi, Clerk of the Legislature
Dave Whalen, Acting Commissioner of DPW
Rachel Kashimer, Commissioner of Human Resources
David C. Whalen
EXPERIENCE
Dutchess County Government, Poughkeepsie, NY
Deputy Commissioner - Department of Public Works, March 2017 to present
* Responsible for the direct oversight and management of the Aviation, Parks and Public Transit divisions, encompassing a
total budget of $23M with combined staff of 130 employees.
* As the lone Deputy Commissioner, assist the Commissioner with day-to-day operational management of the entire
department, including budgetary, personnel, and strategic direction for the six divisions, with a combined annual budget of
$4OM + and full-time staff of 271.
* Worked collaboratively on capital projects within the Aviation Division, including airport terminal renovations ($1M), new
construction projects of an educational hangar ($14M) and fire fighting/operations center ($8M), as well as numerous FAA
funded capital projects, encompassing the most aggressive capital buildings plan for the Hudson Valley Regional Airport in
over 40 years.
*Successfully launched and concluded a Parks Master Plan study to provide a road map for Parks Division improvements for
* Hired and worked collaboratively with four different Parks Division Directors over the past 9 years, providing needed
continuity for the division.
* Cooperatively managed and coordinated the expansion of new public bus service offered by the County for the City of
Poughkeepsie, a 30% increase of routes for the transit system, as well as a successfully launched route modification system
in year 2025 that now offers a smart, nimble and improved service.
* Led the successful conversion of our Public Transit Division from a privately held company to bringing the full operation in-
* Secured federal and state grant opportunities providing integral funding for both capital projects and operational asset
acquisitions across Parks, Aviation and Public Transit divisions.
The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Associate Dean - Student Activities, Recreation & Athletics, May 2007 to March 2017
* One of only three Associate Deans within the Division of Student Affairs, reporting directly to the Vice President & Dean of
Student Affairs, a cabinet member of the college.
* Directed and managed all facets of this hybrid department, overseeing an annual budget of $1.5M with eight professional
staff and 35 student employees.
* Oversaw programs encompassing co-curicular and extra-curicular leaming opportunities for students including student
govemment, the campus newspaper, 25 plus student organizations, campus wide special events including three annual
cook-off competitions, fitness programs, and both intramural and intercollegiate athletics.
* Managed the complete operation of the 62,000 square feet Student Recreation Center (SRC), from facility management
and campus community usage perspectives.
* Integral part of the planning and implementation of the SRC expansion project, a $19M, 35,000 square feet building
addition, completed in the spring of 2015.
* Served as Executive Board member (Treasurer) of the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, encompassing
10 colleges including the CIA. Within this role, responsible for overall administrative issues of the conference, including all
financial matters.
* Played an integral advising role to the VP of Student Affairs on division policy, direction, and student life matters.
* Assisted the VP by representing the division on various campus wide committees, including the IT User Council, Academic
Standards and Safety Committees.
* Assisted the VP in managing and conducting new student orientations and graduations 16 times per year within a unique
educational calendar.
* For three years (2012-15), served as interim advisor and mentor for the Group Leader program at the CIA, a long standing
and prestigious tradition at the college which provides academic and culinary leadership opportunities for a select portion
of the student body.
David C. Whalen - page 2
Dutchess County Government, Poughkeepsie, NY
Director of Parks, January 2006 to May 2007
* After only 18 months with the County, promoted to Director to speed the revitalization of this underperforming division
within the Department of Public Works.
• Responsible for the complete management of the division encompassing six parks, 16 full-time and 21 seasonal
employees, with an annual budget of $1.6 M.
* Fully responsible for the annual budget projection, adherence and performance.
* Managed all personnel matters including staff meetings, hiring, orientations, evaluations and termination decisions and
* Assisted the Commissioner of Public Works in securing a $4.9M capital bond parks improvement initiative, gaining approval
from both the County Executive and DC Legislature.
* Responsible for consultant selection, bid process, and project oversight for a new pavilion constructed at Wilcox Park.
* Continued to be fully responsible for the management of concert events at the Band Shell at Bowdoin Park, hosting two
concerts in 2006 that drew over 12,000 attendees.
Assistant Director of Parks, June 2004 to January 2006
* Direct oversight and management of all programs and special event offerings.
* Fully responsible for sport leagues and schools usage of the park facilities including contracts and rental agreements.
* Responsible for implementing a marketing plan for the division's facilities which included brochures, presentations to
community groups, and participation in fairs and expositions.
* Co-project leader for the beginning development and master plan of a new riverfront park.
* Played a prominent role in the implementation of a new web-based park facilities reservation software package.
* Advised and assisted with the project management of a new band shell facility constructed at Bowdoin Park.
* Directed, managed and led all aspects of the inaugural concert event at this new facility, drawing over 10,000 attendees.
* Assisted the Commissioner of Public Works with long-term planning projects for the division including capital projects,
master plans, and a significant role as liaison to the main tenant of Dutchess Stadium, the Hudson Valley Renegades.
Town of Washington, Millbrook, NY
Director of Recreation, June 1990 to June 2004
* Hired as first full-time Director of Recreation for the Millbrook community.
* Expanded offerings from 16 to 53 year round programs, moving from mostly youth oriented programs to include
opportunities for teens, adults, and senior citizens.
* Prepared, directed, and accounted for all fiscal operations of the $300,000 annual budget.
* Interviewed, hired and supervised one full-time, one half-time, and sixty seasonal employees.
*Completely managed and operated the town park and swimming facilities as well as programs within the Millbrook
Village Hall, a former YMCA facility.
* Responsible for all public and media relations including the design and production of bi-annual brochures and weekly
columns for the local newspaper.
*Secured funding through grant opportunities and acted as project manager for the construction of two municipal tennis
courts, two park playgrounds, a fishing dock and miniature golf facility.
East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA
Athletic Department Graduate Assistant, January to May 1990
* Assisted with athletic eligibility clearance in processing medical, insurance and NCAA forms for the Division Il program.
* Assisted with home and away athletic contest management under the direction of the Associate Director of Athletics.
* Involved with the organization and coordination of fund raising programs for the athletics scholarship fund including a golf
tournament and telephone solicitation campaign.
David C. Whalen - page 3
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Assistant to the Director of Athletics, September 1988 to June 1989
* Served as a sabbatical replacement for one academic year.
* Responsible for all home event administration and supervision.
* Handled travel and lodging arrangements for the 18 intercollegiate teams.
* Served as toumament director for three Vassar Invitational toumaments.
*Handled NCAA and ECAC relations in dealing with eligibility and post-season tournament participation for the Division Ill
* Assisted the Director of Athletics with contest scheduling and equipment purchases.
* Directly supervised two grounds/fields staff in preparing athletic fields for use.
* Served as Assistant Men's Varsity Tennis Coach
EDUCATION
East Stroudsburg University. East Stroudsburg, PA
Master of Education, 1994
st. John's University, Jamaica, NY
Bachelor of Science, 1988
Budget, Finance, and Personnel Committee Roll Call
District Name Yes No
District 16 - Fishkill and Beacon Valdés Smith*
X
District 9 - City of Poughkeepsie Atkins*
X
District 20 - Red Hook, Tivoli, and Rhinebeck Munn*
X
District 3 - LaGrange Polasek*
X
District 12 - East Fishkill Metzger*
X
District 1 - Town of Poughkeepsie Redl (VC)
X
District 4 - Hyde Park and Town of Poughkeepsie Lawler (C)
X
District 7 - Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley Darrow
X
District 8 - City and Town of Poughkeepsie Brendli
ABSENT
District 10 - City of Poughkeepsie Johnson
X
District 18 - City of Beacon and Fishkill Rhodes
X
District 21 - East Fishkill Caswell
X
11
Present: ____
1
Absent: ____
Vacant: ____
Resolution: ____
Motion: ____
11
Total : ______ ______
Yes No
Abstentions: ______
2026106 CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF DAVID C. WHALEN AS ACTING COMMISSIONER
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Roll Call Sheets
District Last Name YES NO
District 16 - Fishkill and Beacon Valdés Smith
District 9 - City of Poughkeepsie Atkins
District 20 - Red Hook, Tivoli, and Rhinebeck Munn
District 3 - LaGrange Polasek
District 12 - East Fishkill Metzger
District 1 - Town of Poughkeepsie Redl
District 2 - LaGrange, Pleasant Valley & Town of Poughkeepsie Arnoff
District 4 - Hyde Park and Town of Poughkeepsie Lawler
District 5 - Town of Poughkeepsie Shah
District 6 - Town of Poughkeepsie Kaul
District 7 - Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley Darrow
District 8 - City and Town of Poughkeepsie Brendli
District 10 - City of Poughkeepsie Johnson
District 11 - Clinton, Pleasant Valley, and Rhinebeck Kearney
District 13 - East Fishkill and Wappinger Giles
District 14 - Wappinger and Town of Poughkeepsie Winsby
District 15 - Wappinger Faust
District 17 - Town and Village of Fishkill McHoul
District 18 - City of Beacon and Fishkill Rhodes
District 19 - North East, Stanford, Pine Plains, Milan & Red Hook Drago
District 21 - East Fishkill Caswell
District 22 - Beekman and Union Vale Tresca
District 23 - Pawling, Beekman and East Fishkill Rolison
District 24 - Dover and Pawling House
District 25 - Amenia, Washington, Pleasant Valley & Millbrook Alexander
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ABSENT
ABSENT
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
23
Present: ____
2
Absent: ____
Vacant: ____
Resolution: ____
Motion: ____
23
Total : ______ ______
Yes No
Abstentions: ____
CONSENT AGENDA: RESOLUTIONS 076, 077, 093, 094, 099, 101, 102, 106, 107 OF THE
YEAR 2026