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County Executive Ed Day Names William Hartnagel as Director of the Office of Community Development
William Hartnagel, who served as a Principal Assistant County Attorney representing several County departments including Community Development, Budget and Finance, Environmental Resources, Real Property Tax, and Consumer Protection, has been named Director of the Office of Community Development.
In his prior role, he drafted contracts, legislative resolutions, grant agreements, and provided extensive legal guidance across a range of complex regulatory and financial matters.
He played a critical role in supporting the County’s HUD Action Plans, federal and state grant programs, and affordable housing initiatives, managing the legal logistics and documentation behind major development efforts, according to the county.
“Will has worked closely with the Office of Community Development and former Director Alexandra Obremski as its assigned Principal Assistant County Attorney. I have no doubt that his deep familiarity with departmental operations and critical housing initiatives will ensure a smooth transition of leadership,” said County Executive Ed Day.
Hartnagel’s background also includes more than 25 years as managing partner of a law firm, where he oversaw budgets, payroll, employee relations, and created a stable, positive workplace culture—experience that he notes has shaped his leadership approach and ability to maintain productive, cohesive teams.
In addition to his legal and managerial career, Hartnagel served as an adjunct professor of Business Law at Rockland Community College, provided mediation services, and held corporate leadership roles in finance and operations.
Hartnagel assumed his new role Monday, which pays $151,751 annually.
Community Foundation Hosts Record-Setting Hudson Valley Gives Online; Raises More Than $1.2 Million for 270 Nonprofits in Seven Counties
This year’s 11th Annual Hudson Valley Gives was the most successful yet, raising more than $1.2 Million for 270 local nonprofits.
The fundraiser hosted by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland (CFOSR) provides participating organizations with an online platform to reach donors.
Donations were raised during the month of May with the primary focus on the 24-hours on May 20th, the most raised on the event’s official giving day since its inception.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of local individuals and businesses,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOSR President and CEO. “Our community contributed and celebrated in record fashion this year to support local nonprofits, the enthusiasm and creativity that nonprofits embraced to raise donation levels was incredible.”
The event’s donations support charities in seven counties providing life-enriching programs and critical services that Hudson Valley residents appreciate or depend upon. When combined with giving totals from years past, charitable giving through Hudson Valley Gives now stands at over $6.7 million.
The nonprofit organizations who raised the most include: Second Chance Foods, Inc, Ashokan Center, Humane Society of Walden, Abilities First and Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra.
Participating organizations were encouraged to fundraise creatively by the awarding of cash prizes throughout the day from a prize pool established thanks to donations from local businesses who sponsored the event. A huge thank you goes out to our Hudson Valley Gives sponsors: Resorts World Catskills, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, M & T Bank, Rowley Family Foundation, Walden Savings Bank, Orange Investment Advisors, CDPHP, Crystal Run Healthcare, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Garnet Health, William A Smith & Son, Newburgh Brewing Company, Provident Bank, Heritage Financial Credit Union and Pamal Broadcasting.
Donations are open through May. Organizations can be viewed at www.hvgives.org.
How To Green Your Business With the DEC Sustainable Business Navigator
DEC’s Sustainable Business Navigator (SBN) provides fast, free, and impactful advice to help small businesses meet sustainability and cost-cutting goals. Businesses that participate in the program get a one-hour conversation with DEC’s sustainability experts on topics that matter to them.
Since one size doesn’t fit all, what sustainability topics you want to talk about are up to you. They can include:
- Waste reduction
- Energy efficiency
- Toxics use reduction
- Buying and using greener products
- Staff training and engagement
- Sustainable transportation and logistics
- Water conservation
- Marketing your sustainability achievements to reach new customers;
Conversations can take place either on location at your business or virtually, depending on your preference and staff availability.
How it works:
Fill out this registration form: https://arcg.is/1WmrWG1
What you’ll need:
- The business’s logistical information (name, address, contact person)
- The topics and projects you’d like to discuss in your conversation
The DEC contacts you to set up a time for your one-hour conversation with its sustainability experts.
Note: Meeting availability and scheduling is based upon SBN staff availability and travel logistics.
You receive a follow up email summarizing your conversation and providing you with additional resources to achieve your goals.
Eligibility:
- Be a business with a location(s) in New York State
- Have 100 or fewer employees
- Have not participated in the program in the past two years






















