Tawnya Muhlrad picked to lead finance department

GOSHEN — Tawnya Muhlrad of Goshen has been selected to lead the Orange County Finance Department as its new commissioner, county Executive Steve Neuhaus announced on Dec. 5.

Neuhaus' nomination will be taken up by the legislature’s Personnel and Compensation committee on Dec. 8.

“Tawnya Muhlrad is the right choice to administer the county’s finances during a time of great change in Orange County. She has demonstrated the leadership qualities our taxpayers deserve, and brings with her a wealth of experience in municipal finances thanks to a lifelong commitment to this community,” said Neuhaus. “I strongly encourage the legislature to approve this nomination without delay.”

If the committee approves Muhlrad's appointment, she will succeed the former finance commissioner, Joel Kleiman, a county employee since 1995 whose service ended on Oct. 31. Robert Ronsini served as the department’s acting commissioner since that time.

The Finance Department’s commissioner is responsible for administering the county’s finances, including banking, investment, debt issuance, payroll, accounts payable, property tax collection, and financial reporting.

Muhlrad currently serves as treasurer and finance manager for Orange-Ulster BOCES, a post she has held since 2004. She was previously the budget officer for the Town of Goshen and treasurer for the Goshen Fire District.

She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Mount Saint Mary College and is completing work on a masters of public administration at Pace University. As Orange-Ulster BOCES’s treasurer and finance manager, she is responsible for a $250 million multi-fund budget and oversees staff in the areas of federal and state grants, A/P, A/R, purchasing, capital projects, billing, financial reporting as well as cash management and investing.

Legislator Katie Bonelli (R-Blooming Grove) called the appointment "historic."

“We are witnessing a great sea change at the federal and state levels, with increasing leadership roles for women in government," Bonnelli said. "I am proud to see that Orange County is leading the way at the local level with Tawnya Muhlrad’s nomination, and I urge my fellow legislators to approve her selection.”