Pulver Appointed Assistant County Executive

A. Gregg Pulver, a longtime public servant and multi-generational farmer from Pine Plains, has been named Dutchess County’s next Assistant County Executive. Pulver, who recently lost his bid for election as County Comptroller, will assume his new role on Jan. 1, 2025, following his appointment by County Executive Sue Serino on Dec. 13.

“Gregg’s decades of leadership and dedication to Dutchess County make him the ideal person for this role,” Serino said in a press release. “From his years of public service as Legislature Chairman and County Comptroller to his work on the farm and with local organizations, Gregg truly understands the heartbeat of our community.”

Pulver, a Republican, has served as Pine Plains Town Supervisor for 12 years, a County Legislator for five terms and Legislature Chairman for six years. After losing to Chris Drago in the November 2023 for Legislature’s 19th District, Pulver was appointed as Comptroller by former County Executive William F.X. O’Neil. Pulver failed to retain the Comptroller seat in November, when Democrat Dan Aymar-Blair defeated him by just 929 votes, 72,752 to 71,823. 

Pulver’s starting salary in his new role will be $125,000, an increase from the $115,854 he earned as Comptroller. 

As Assistant County Executive, Pulver will oversee county operations, policies and several departments while acting as a liaison between Serino’s office and the Legislature. “Whatever the boss would like me to handle,” Pulver told the Herald. “I work for the County Executive and she will, I’m sure, have things for me to do.”

In the Dec. 13 press release, Pulver said, “Having made the decision to not pursue future elected office, I’m excited to continue serving Dutchess County to ensure it remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow and our agricultural roots stay strong.”

However, in speaking with the Herald, he appeared to leave the door open for a future return to the campaign trail. “I’m completely ruling it out for the next three years, I’ll tell you that.” Pulver said. “I’m always cautious about never saying never.”

Pulver attributed his narrow defeat in the Comptroller race to heightened partisanship. “It’s amazing how politics has devolved over the years,” he said. “People just see the R and the D rather than the work that somebody does.”

Pulver will succeed Chris Baiano, who is retiring after nearly a decade as Assistant County Executive. Baiano and Pulver will work together during a two-month transition period to ensure a smooth handoff.

“I think I’m uniquely qualified to fill this position with my history in county and town governments,” Pulver said. “I look forward to collaborating with the community to address challenges and seize opportunities that benefit our neighbors.”