MaryEllen Odell
Carmel,NY
Summary
Forward-thinking County Executive with a constituency population of just under 100,000. Articulate and personable leader with excellent program management, strategic planning and operational oversight skills. Primary goals as executive to include directing a workforce of 800 employees, including civil service, management and contract employees, as well as establishing strong working relationships with all elected official colleagues to focus on keeping operations consistent to maintain county stability and sustainability for the taxpayer.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Putnam County Executive
Putnam County Government
Carmel, NY
11.2011 - Current
- Oversaw all county services and departments; including law enforcement, social services, roads and facilities, parks, personnel, legal, finance, purchasing, tourism, health, planning, information technology, transportation, emergency services, as well as the development and management of the county golf course PCGC and the Tilly Foster Farm & BOCES Educational Institute.
- Providing organizational leadership and collaboration with local municipalities and their internal departments to establish emergency response coordination, assist in economic growth initiatives and provide the essential services such as social services, infrastructure and assistance to our quality of life programs such as mental health, substance abuse, food insecurity, libraries, animal shelters, museums etc.
- Prepared the county's annual operating and capital budgets in order to meet the contractual obligations with our labor unions, fund state and federal mandated programs, provide our law enforcement with the necessary training and equipment and keep property taxes at the lowest rate in NYS.
- Delivered speeches and attended industry conferences as President of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council as well as the President of the New York State Association of Counties to educate and promote best practices and to advocate for funding and legislation for counties.
- Spearheaded facility and departmental consolidations within our county government to promote energy efficiencies, ADA compliance and using state and federal grant dollars. Utilized our Aa1 Moody credit rating to access the lowest interest rates for modifying existing bonds and securing the best interest rates for all infrastructure projects.
- Strategized and implemented plans to transform and revitalize county properties to enhance tourism operations, simultaneously capitalizing on recreation opportunities and emerging food and beverage trends.
- Increased county general fund balance from 15m in 2011 to 65m at the close of 2022, all while eliminating all short term debt, pension shortfalls and reduced the inherited county debt by 50%.
- Stayed up-to-date on best practices and cutting-edge ideas to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing designated budget.
- Established strategic direction and goals to accomplish objectives.
- Negotiated Union contracts with 4 seperate bargaining units.
Putnam County Legislator
Putnam County
01.2006 - 12.2010
- Represented a district of approximately 10,000 residents as a county legislator. Responsibilities including, but not limited to supporting our seniors, veterans and families regarding local laws, policies and funding needs.
- Established the position of Legislative Liaison to Putnam County Joint Veterans Council.
- Co-Chair of the Commission on Fiscal Accountability
- Chairs of Personnel, Protective, Economic Committees, and served as Deputy Chair of the Legislature.
Skills
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Program Monitoring
- Risk and Compliance Management
- Developing and Delivering Communications Strategy
- Team Leadership, Training and Development
Accomplishments
Putnam County Joint Veteran Council Honorary Veteran PCJVC
President and board member New York State County Executive Association CEA
President and board member New York State Association of Counties NYSAC
President and board member New York State Metropolitan Transportation Council NYMTC
Board member NACO
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Putnam County Executive
Putnam County Government
11.2011 - Current
Putnam County Legislator
Putnam County
01.2006 - 12.2010