Ulster County Executive Mike Hein Announces The Retirement Of Commissioner Of Human Rights And Youth Bureau Director Evelyn J. Clarke And The Appointment To Those Positions Of Nina Dawson

Posted April 18, 2018

Retirement To Be Effective May 7, 2018

Kingston, N.Y. – County Executive Mike Hein announces that Evelyn J. Clarke, Ulster County’s Commissioner of Human Rights and Director of the Youth Bureau will retire after six years serving the citizens of Ulster County.  During her time as Commissioner of Human Rights, Evelyn worked with the Human Rights Commission to assist in fostering respect for all citizens and improving relations among all of the people of Ulster County.  She worked closely with the Kingston City School District’s Board of Education to support redrafting the school district’s disciplinary codes; provided assistance and referrals to the New York State Division of Human Rights; provided sexual harassment training to outside organizations; and organized conferences regarding social justice and human rights issues. As the Director of the Youth Bureau, Evelyn Clarke has been dedicated to promoting the well-being of all youth in Ulster County and worked to support youth programs throughout the County which received funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services; worked with the Youth Board to evaluate program applications for funds and monitored funded programs; and much more.

“I want to thank Evelyn for her dedication and commitment to the people of Ulster County and for her passion for social justice and human rights, as well as her leadership in making sure the important youth programs our children rely upon are appropriately funded,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “It has been an honor working with Evelyn and I wish her all the best in her retirement and future endeavors.”

“It has been an honor to work with the dedicated members of both the Human Rights Commission and the Youth Board in service to the people of Ulster County,” said Evelyn J. Clarke.  “I want to thank County Executive Hein for the opportunity to support his strong commitment to social justice. I plan to remain an active participant in the community, and I look forward to seeing the County Executive’s vision of the new Restorative Justice Center become a reality.”

County Executive Hein announces that he has appointed Christina “Nina” Dawson to the positions of Youth Bureau Director and Human Rights Commissioner.  Nina has great experience with community advocacy, serving two terms as Alderwoman on the Kingston Common Council, as well as Chair of the Community Development Block Grant Committee.  Nina comes to the County from her many years of working with people at Health Alliance.  Her appointments as Temporary Interim Commissioner of Human Rights and Temporary Interim Youth Bureau Director will begin May 7, 2018 while her appointment is pending legislative confirmation.

“We are excited to welcome Nina Dawson to lead the Human Rights Commission and Youth Bureau and I look forward to working with her.  We are fortunate to have a highly qualified individual who is eager to serve the people of Ulster County whose experience and extraordinary commitment to serving our citizens make her an asset and great addition to the County," said County Executive Hein.