Ms. Plonski Will Be The First Woman To Serve As Commissioner Of Public Works

Kingston, N.Y. – Today, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein made an historic appointment of the first woman to lead the Ulster County Department of Public Works, Susan Plonski.  Currently, she leads the Contract Management Division within the Ulster County Attorney’s Office. Upon assuming the role of Commissioner she will oversee over 200 departmental employees.

“We are fortunate to have an individual as qualified as Susan to lead the Department of Public Works at a time when the County is making an unprecedented $10 million investment in our infrastructure as part of the ‘Building A Better Ulster County’ program,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Her strong construction management background and overarching knowledge of county operations coupled with her accounting and legal experience make her the ideal choice to lead a department whose work impacts almost every resident of Ulster County on a daily basis.”

“I am thankful to the County Executive for the opportunity to lead the Department of Public Works and I am looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Ulster County in this new capacity,” said Susan Plonski.  “I will be joining a strong team of talented and dedicated employees who ensure our bridges, roadways and county facilities are safe and well-maintained, and we will continue to do it all with a deep respect for ‘completed on time and under budget.’”

Before earning her law degree from Albany Law School, Ms. Plonski obtained an Associate Degree in accounting from SUNY Ulster and a Bachelor Degree from SUNY New Paltz.  She also has over fifteen years of experience working in various management positions, including chief financial officer, for three local construction contractors.

The Ulster County Department of Public Works is tasked with maintaining over 423 miles of county roads and 158 bridges.  It is also responsible for the operation and upkeep of all county buildings.  The Acting Commissioner of Public Works, Brian Cunningham, will remain with the department and serve in the dual role of Deputy Commissioner/Director of Facilities.  The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Ulster County Legislature.