Dec. 29, 2017 -- As his term as Westchester’s County Executive approaches, County Executive-elect George Latimer today announced the nomination of the core leadership team for his upcoming Administration. Latimer, who takes office on January 1, 2018 has named four individuals to assume leadership posts as his team of staff members begins to take shape.
Latimer has nominated retiring County Legislator Ken Jenkins to be Deputy County Executive, Joan McDonald to be the Director of Operations, John M. Nonna, Esq., to be County Attorney and Catherine Cioffi, J.D. to be Director of Communications.
Jenkins has spent 25 years serving the people of Yonkers through his public service. He is retiring this year as a member of the Board of Legislators, having served as Board Chair from 2010-2014. Jenkins was first elected to the Board in 2007. Jenkins has been a vocal advocate for affordable housing and social justice in Westchester, and brings a wealth of experience to the County Executive’s office.
Latimer said: “I consider Ken Jenkins to be an outstanding elected official and community leader. He has shown, time and again, that moving Westchester forward is at the heart of his actions and efforts. He will bring practical experience to the team as we tackle the issues facing Westchester, together.”
Joan McDonald is a former New York State Commissioner of Transportation, serving in that capacity under Governor Andrew Cuomo. During her four-and-a-half years as Commissioner, she oversaw a department with 8,300 employees and a budget of $4 billion. Prior to her role in New York State, she was Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and held senior positions in New York City and at Metro-North Railroad. She currently serves as the Principal of JMM Strategic Solutions, and continues her focus on infrastructure and economic development.
“Joan McDonald is a tremendous leader and administrator, who has a track record of success everywhere she has served. I am honored and excited that she is willing to join our Administration and help move Westchester forward,” Latimer said.
John Nonna, Esq, is a former County Legislator and Mayor of Pleasantville. He is currently a partner with the Squire, Patton Boggs Law Firm, with a practice that focuses on commercial and insurance litigation. Nonna is a past Board Member and Board Chair, of the Westchester Community College Board of Trustees. John is a former Co-chair of the Board of Directors of the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He is an internationally known and respected attorney, with vast legal and management experience.
Latimer said: “I have known John for many years, and he is the consummate professional attorney. He has a sharp mind and a steady manner, with a deep commitment to justice -- traits that will serve the County Attorney’s office, and by extension the entire County, very well.”
Catherine Cioffi has been named as Latimer’s Director of Communications. She is a graduate of Fordham University and Pace Law School. Cioffi has an extensive background in radio news including WCBS NewsRadio 880, and marketing and public relations with Mercy College. She has extensive knowledge of government and public and community and relations and will serve to oversee the communications staff and operations of the County Executive’s Office.
“Catherine Cioffi will be a wonderful addition to my communications team. Her news, community relations and broad experience will help our Administration address community concerns and help to ensure the transparency we have promised to the people of Westchester,” Latimer said.