SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE BELLONE APPOINTS LISA BLACK AS DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today appointed Lisa Black as Deputy County Executive and will serve in the role of Chief of Staff.  Lisa, who recently served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, brings over 20 years of experience in state and local government to the job.  

In her new position, Lisa is charged with overseeing office operations, managing special projects, and advocating on behalf of Suffolk County’s state legislative agenda.  Her first day with Suffolk County begins Wednesday.  

“Talented, tested, accomplished – Lisa Black is one of the most respected public policy professionals across party lines,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone.  “I am excited that Lisa has decided to join the Administration as we continue to implement a model for effective, efficient and ethical government.”

Recently, Lisa led a full-scale public affairs effort to garner support for the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project, commonly known as the Third Track Project. The project has been a major priority for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to modernize transportation infrastructure on Long Island and across the region.  She managed an operation that was responsible for building support among key constituencies and stakeholders that included the business community, state and local elected officials, organized labor, civic groups, and transportation advocates.  Moreover, she oversaw a robust community engagement process to keep the public informed and solicit their input as part of the regulatory process.  In the end, her efforts proved instrumental in securing final approval of the MTA Capital Plan that will allow the $2 billion dollar project to begin construction in 2018.   

Prior to her tenure in the Cuomo administration, Lisa held a number of senior level positions at the New York City Department of Homeless Services.  She began her career in the New York State Senate overseeing communications for several elected officials and in the State Senate Media Services Office.  Prior to that she was a news editor and videographer for WTEN in Albany.  Currently a resident of Smithtown and Suffolk County native, Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts from The College of Saint Rose. 

The County Executive also announced that Stephanie Rosen will join the administration as Executive Assistant III, serving as an Executive Assistant to the County Executive for inter-municipal services and grant writing as well as work closely with the Budget and Finance Departments. She most recently served as an Excelsior Service Fellow Project Manager at New York State Empire State Development.  Her responsibilities included working to develop and implement a plan to systematically track $500 million in State funding for all broadband awards as part of Governor Cuomo’s New NY Broadband Program.  She is scheduled to begin working for Suffolk County in September.

Stephanie was previously a Program Associate at Lincoln Square Business Improvement District in New York City where she worked to secure funding through successful grant applications from the City of New York.  She also interned for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and former Congressman Maurice Hinchey.  Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from SUNY Binghamton, and a Master of Public Administration, Magna Cum Laude from the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College.

Lisa will make an annual salary of $163,699, which is the same amount as her predecessor.  Stephanie will make an annual salary of $78,718 for her title.

The County Executive will be making additional administration appointments in the coming months as part of his effort to recruit the best and brightest to serve in Suffolk County government.