McDonald Promoted to Deputy Westchester County Executive

WHITE PLAINS—Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that recently appointed Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie will retire from county government at the end of January, closing a more than 50-year career of public service in Westchester County.

In connection with Wishnie’s retirement, County Executive Jenkins announced that current Director of Operations Joan McDonald has been promoted to Deputy County Executive. McDonald brings decades of experience in public service and infrastructure leadership, along with a deep understanding of government operations. She previously served as the Director of Operations for Westchester County, the New York State Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, and Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. She is also the Chair of the IDA and LDC, and the New York State Bridge Authority.

Jenkins said, “Joan’s experience, judgment, and steady leadership make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. She has dedicated her career to strengthening communities, and her leadership will continue to be a tremendous asset to Westchester County.”

McDonald said of her promotion, “It is an honor to be appointed Westchester County Deputy County Executive. I greatly admire the leadership of Ken Jenkins, and look forward to working with him as he advances his agenda for Westchester County residents.”

The County Executive also announced that Emily Saltzman has been promoted to Director of Operations. Saltzman has served Westchester County for nearly a decade as the Deputy Director of Operations, and brings extensive experience from local and State government. She also serves on the Purchase College Council.

Jenkins said: “Emily’s promotion reflects her deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership, and personal commitment to this County. She understands how government works and how to make it work better for the people we serve.”

“I am grateful to County Executive Ken Jenkins for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Westchester County. I look forward to working with our Commissioners, Directors, and the outstanding County workforce to provide programs and services to Westchester residents,” Saltman said.

Under the leadership of McDonald and Saltzman, the Operations team guided the county through the COVID-19 response, oversaw the development of the county’s $2.- billion budget, and launched innovative initiatives including the Housing FLEX Funds, the Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP), and the Department of Infrastructure Grants (DIG) Program.

Wishnie’s long and distinguished career included an appointment to Acting Westchester County Executive, laying the foundation for his role as Deputy County Executive. Wishnie, who also served at the Westchester County Director of Emergency Services, was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 1993, where he served six terms representing the Town of Ossining, the Villages of Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, and Croton-on-Hudson, as well as portions of the Town of Cortlandt. Before his service at the county level, he served the Town of Ossining as Councilman from 1976 to 1979 and as Supervisor from 1979 to 1983.

County Executive Jenkins said, “Richard Wishnie’s career has been defined by deep commitment, thoughtful leadership and a genuine love for public service. He helped guide this county through countless challenges with steadiness and integrity. His institutional knowledge, kindness and dedication have left a lasting mark on Westchester County. On behalf of our entire workforce, I thank Richard for his service and wish him the very best in a well-deserved retirement.”

“Serving the people of Westchester County has been an honor and a privilege,” Wishnie said. “I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together and the dedicated public servants I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside. I thank County Executive Jenkins for his faith in me, and I leave knowing the county is in strong, capable hands.”