The City of Beacon has announced that City Administrator, Anthony J. Ruggiero, has accepted the position as Assistant Commissioner for Administration with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health. His last day with the City of Beacon is scheduled for January 29, 2021, and will start up with Dutchess County on February 1, 2021, according to the City’s press release.

Anthony is an integral part to Beacon’s functioning, with his vast institutional memory of how funding and scheduling happened or is projected to happen for a number of projects. It is comforting to know that during this global health crisis, Anthony will still be in Beacon’s sphere as he stays in Dutchess County at the Department of Behavioral & Community Health. Cut from a similar cloth is the Mayor’s Assistant, Collin Milone, who continues to provide administrative assistance and coordination.

Ruggiero has served as City Administrator since 2015, joining Beacon after former City Administrator Meredith Robson became the Village Manager for the Village of Ardsley in Westchester County. With a Masters in Public Administration and over 24 years of experience, Ruggiero previously served as the City Manager for the City of Peekskill and Putnam County’s Commissioner of Planning, Development and Public Transportation.

Mayor Lee Kyriacou congratulated Ruggiero, saying, “While I am saddened to see Anthony go, and thank him for his steady and professional service especially in this most difficult year, I offer my congratulations and best wishes for his next chapter. I know that the county gains an asset, and also that Beacon will attract a professional and appropriate successor.”

City Administrator Ruggiero said “It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as Beacon’s City Administrator for over five years. The City has successfully navigated the most challenging environments, provided outstanding municipal services, implemented a number of major capital projects, and have developed one of the strongest management teams. I am excited for the opportunity to work for Dutchess County and the Department of Behavioral & Community Health”

Said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro about Dutchess County’s new talent: “With decades of experience, Anthony Ruggiero will be a valuable asset to Dutchess County Behavioral & Community Health, providing administrative oversight to one of the County’s largest and most complex departments. His managerial and administrative experience will bolster the talented leadership team of public health professionals who guide DBCH. As City of Beacon Administrator, Anthony has had a strong working relationship with the County, including DBCH, particularly as he helped guide the City of Beacon through the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to Anthony joining our County team early next year as current Assistant DBCH Commissioner Cathi Tegtmeier steps down to enjoy a well-earned retirement.”

The City will initiate a recruitment process immediately to begin a search for a new City Administrator.