Kingston, N.Y. – Today, County Executive Mike Hein announced the addition of three new highly qualified individuals to lead critical Ulster County Departments in order to fill recent vacancies and continue the tradition of strong team leadership throughout Ulster County Government. The Director of the Office for the Aging and Director of Information Services will now require legislative confirmation. In addition, the County has hired a new Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tara McDonald, LMSW, MPA as the Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health; Jose M. DeLeon, Jr. as Director of the Department of Information Services; and Shelley J. Wagar as Director of the Office for the Aging,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “I want to welcome these talented individuals who are so deeply committed to providing excellent services for our citizens. These highly qualified professionals will be an amazing asset for the people of Ulster County, as they bring many years of excellent experience to the organization. I look forward to working with them as we continue to focus on reforming county government and delivering more essential services, all while protecting the property taxpayers of Ulster County.”
Department of Mental Health – Tara McDonald, LMSW, MPA
Tara McDonald, LMSW, MPA of Kingston, New York, has been hired as the Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health. The County is fortunate to have her on board with her years of experience working in many different roles at the New York State Office of Mental Health. She simultaneously held three full time positions as Children and Families Field Office Coordinator; Regional Administrator, and Standards and Compliance Specialist for adults and children’s licensed mental health programs. More recently she served as the Statewide Children’s Residential Coordinator. “I am thrilled to come home and work with County Executive Hein and Dr. Smith on insuring the highest level of service for those in our community most in need,” said Tara McDonald, LMSW, MPA, Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health.
Department of Information Services – Jose M. DeLeon, Jr.
The County is fortunate to be able to name retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jose M. DeLeon, Jr. as the new Director of the Department of Information Services. He was last stationed at First Marine Corps District, Garden City, New York and retired in June from a twenty year career in the U.S. Marine Corps with extensive experience in information technology. He has had three combat deployments and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious actions while stationed in Iraq, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon. He resides with his family in New Paltz, New York. “I have lived all over the world and seen many wonderful beautiful places, but after I retired I found that Ulster County was an amazing place with so much to offer to anyone raising a family and I have great respect for County Executive Hein and all that he has done,” said Jose M. DeLeon, Jr., Director of Information Services.
Office for the Aging – Shelley J. Wagar
Ulster County welcomes Shelley J. Wagar as the new Director of the Office for the Aging. Ms. Wagar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with her from her current role as the Executive Director for New York State Center for Assisted Living. Her extensive experience and management skills will be a strong asset to the department and its programs, providing our seniors with continued support and services. Ms. Wagar resides in Boiceville, New York. “As we provide essential programs and services to our dynamic senior population, I am looking forward to working with County Executive Hein to build the finest models of quality and compassion,” said Shelley J. Wagar, Director of the Office for the Aging.
Pictured Above - from left: Tara McDonald, Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health; Ulster County Executive Mike Hein; Shelley J. Wagar, Director, Office for the Aging; and Jose M. DeLeon, Jr., Director of Information Services.
