Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced the appointment of Ron Tocci, a lifelong resident of New Rochelle, as the county's new Director of the Veterans Service Agency. Tocci, a veteran and former Democratic Assemblyman has a long history of service and advocacy for veterans and takes over for Vito Pinto who steps down from the post on March 31.

"Replacing Vito Pinto with Ron Tocci is like replacing Joe DiMaggio with Mickey Mantle. I'm so grateful for Vito's service and I'm equally grateful that Ron Tocci has answered, not so much my call, but the call of his fellow servicemen and women," said Astorino. "With Ron's experience as a county and state legislator and having served as New York State Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, Ron will hit the ground running."

Tocci served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1966-1968. He served five terms on the County Board of Legislators and then moved on to the New York State Assembly where he served for 20 years. For over 10 years, he chaired the Assembly's Committee on Veterans Affairs where he helped pass laws making it easier for veterans recently separated from service to find employment and providing tuition assistance to individuals who commit to service in the National Guard. He also secured the funding for four new state veteran nursing homes throughout the state. Upon leaving the Assembly in 2004, Tocci was appointed by Gov. George Pataki to serve as State Commissioner for Veterans Affairs. Upon his retirement from state service, he started the Tocci Group which represents the interests of our troops, public service workers, teachers and tradesmen. He has always remained especially active in the veterans community.

"Vito Pinto is a long-time friend and he did a great job for our veterans. I'm anxious to continue his good work and follow through with many good ideas that will strengthen our service for the men and women who serve our nation," said Tocci. "The special few who take care of us must believe, when they need care, we will be there for them. I know Rob Astorino is committed to this belief and I'm grateful to him for asking me to lead this effort."

Tocci belongs to many veterans organizations and is currently serving as commander of the American Legion Post 8. He and his wife Patricia live in New Rochelle and they have two adult children, Ron and Cara, and a granddaughter, Emily.