Former Deputy And Chief Of Staff To County Executive Hein Will Serve Until Next County Executive Is Elected
KINGSTON, N.Y. – On Monday, February 11th, Adele B. Reiter – Deputy County Executive and Chief of Staff under the former administration of Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein – was sworn in as Acting County Executive, having been designated by Hein prior to beginning his appointment, effective today, as Acting Commissioner of the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve the people of Ulster County, and I take the responsibility of holding the Office of County Executive very seriously, especially during this transition period,” said Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter. “I see it as my solemn duty to serve the residents of Ulster County by upholding the legacy of strong fiscal leadership and compassionate social progress that were the hallmarks of County Executive Hein’s tenure in office. Mike Hein’s lasting impact on Ulster County will be felt for generations to come as he always pursued what was best for our residents and sought tirelessly and successfully to make Ulster County a model for the rest of New York State, no matter the challenges involved.”
“I have a deep respect for public office and the inherent responsibilities that come with it,” Acting County Executive Reiter continued. “Ulster County Government derives its power from the people, having adopted a new Charter form of government just over a decade ago. I call on the Legislature to now join me and do the work of the people so that we may build on the successes of the past that the Charter has allowed while turning an eye towards the future and collectively help Ulster County continue on the path of responsible fiscal management and social justice for each and every individual.
“As Acting County Executive, I will continue to strive to make the community better for our families, our friends, our neighbors and all those who choose to live here. That includes working to help prevent people from being taxed out of their homes while continuing to support our existing businesses, attracting new employers to the area, and providing the exceptional level of services that our residents – especially those amongst us most in need – expect and deserve.
“Among the many things I have learned from Mike Hein is that in order to be effective while serving in government it is critical to identify the public good and recognize that it is the right thing to do in spite of it potentially being controversial or it’s political implications; clearly communicate with the public; and have a plan to effectively implement it. You must achieve your goals and live up to your ideals, while mastering the art of compromise. But most importantly, you must stand strong when it is called for in order to deliver results for the people who put their faith and trust in you.”
On Monday morning at 9:15 A.M., in front of a gathering of department heads and deputies from across County government, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack administered the oath of office to Acting County Executive Reiter in a ceremony held at the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston.
“I am so proud to lead an amazing group of distinguished professionals who are deeply committed to serving the people of Ulster County,” Acting County Executive Reiter added. “We all work for you – the 180,000 residents of Ulster County – and that is evident from the way that our department heads and deputies strive every day to earn the people’s trust and respect. Along with the heads of our 23 County departments, I’m thrilled that Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack agreed to be here today to administer the oath of office. Nina and I share a deeply held, non-partisan belief that public service is first and foremost about the people we serve.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased to administer the oath of office to our new Acting County Executive,” said Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack. “Throughout her fifteen years of service in Ulster County Government, Adele has been a steadfast and reliable public servant, who is a pleasure to work with and who has always put the needs and interests of Ulster County’s residents at the forefront. During this unprecedented period of transition within County government, I for one am comforted by the fact that Acting County Executive Reiter will be at the helm.”
On Sunday evening, prior to the official swearing-in ceremony, Ms. Reiter was joined by friends and family, including County Executive Mike Hein, for a private reception.
“During my administration, the residents and taxpayers of Ulster County were truly fortunate to have Adele’s tremendous skills and abilities in her role as Deputy County Executive and Chief of Staff,” said former County Executive Mike Hein. “As I take on my new role in Governor Cuomo’s administration, I am thrilled that the reins of County government will now be taken up by my Chief of Staff Adele B. Reiter, whom I have designated to serve as Acting County Executive. Throughout my ten years in office, her deep knowledge of county government and her unwavering commitment to excellence have helped guide and shape the accomplishments that have distinguished this administration. I am confident that she and our team of dedicated public servants will continue to work day-in and day-out to serve the people of Ulster County with great distinction.”
Adele B. Reiter, Esq. has a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in New York State. She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, New York.
Since moving to Ulster County, New York in 1982, Adele has practiced law in the health care field, in private practice and as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Kingston. Prior to the formation of the Office of the County Executive she served as Deputy Ulster County Treasurer. Upon his election as Ulster County's first County Executive, Michael P. Hein’s first appointment was to install Adele as Deputy County Executive - a position that she held along with the title of Chief of Staff and the designation as first in the line of succession for the duration of the Hein administration.
Adele has volunteered her time with the Ulster County Council of Girl Scouts, the Mental Health Association of Ulster County, YWCA, Kingston Hospital Foundation, the Women’s Health and Fitness Expo and other local organizations. She currently resides in Hurley with her husband of 42 years, Paul and enjoys frequent visits with her two daughters, their husbands, and her four grandchildren, all of whom reside in Ulster County.
Pictured above: Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter takes the oath of office, which was administered on Monday morning by Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack before an audience of Ulster County department heads, commissioners and deputies.
Pictured below: 1) Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter with former County Executive Mike Hein and members of her family at a private reception Sunday evening prior to the swearing in ceremony on Monday morning; 2) Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter with former County Executive Mike Hein and close friends at the private reception Sunday evening prior to the swearing in ceremony on Monday morning; and 3) Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter with friends and family at the private reception Sunday evening prior to the swearing in ceremony on Monday morning.
