Two New County Commissioners Confirmed by County Legislature, County Executive Steve McLaughlin Announces
Michael McMahon Confirmed as Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and Joseph Mazzariello Confirmed as Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Training
Two new Commissioners for important Rensselaer County departments were confirmed for appointment at the June 14 legislative meeting, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced.
The Legislature confirmed the appointment of Michael McMahon as Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and Joseph Mazzariello as Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Training. Both confirmations were unanimous.
“These are important positions for Rensselaer County, and we are fortunate to have two experienced and capable selections for two departments that provide needed service to the people of our county. I thank the Legislature for joining me in showing confidence for both Joe and Mike and unanimously confirming their appointments,” said McLaughlin.
“Both Mike and Joe will be part of a leadership team that has maintained important services during a pandemic while reducing property taxes four consecutive years by nearly 20 percent, improving county finances and attracting record investment to our county,” added McLaughlin.
McMahon is the current leader of the Montgomery County Department of Social Services. He has extensive experience in the fields of social services, human services and care giving. He also worked as a guardian for children in child protective cases, as a substance abuse counselor and in employee management and recruitment for Greyhound Lines.
McMahon also currently serves as Mayor of the Village of Ames in Montgomery County and served with the U.S. Navy.
The Commissioner of the Department of Social Services is responsible for overseeing the operation of social service programs as mandated by the state and the operation of the county’s Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home. He would succeed Theresa Beaudoin, who retired as DSS Commissioner at the end of 2021.
“Mike has important experience managing a Social Services department, managing employees and ensuring care for residents, along with military experience. Our DSS provides needed support and services to many of our residents, and Mike is the right choice to lead the department,” said McLaughlin.
Mazzariello would replace Brian Williams, who served as E&T Commissioner but is now working as Executive Director of the Capital Region Workforce Development Board. The Capital Region Workforce Development Board includes three counties, Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady.
Mazzariello has worked for the county since 2012, and is now an employee of the county Department of Social Services. He has worked in employee relations, recruitment and retention efforts at DSS and the Van Rensselaer Manor.
The county Department of Employment and Training provides training and skills instruction for underemployed and unemployed individuals to access sustainable and long-term employment. During 2021, the department served 1200 individuals. The E&T office is located in the current County Office Building in downtown Troy.
“Joe has years of experience and training that will enable him to help county residents access new employment and opportunity in the years to come. The services provided at the Employment & Training department are particularly needed at this time, and we look forward to solid results in this area,” said McLaughlin.
The confirmations for the positions are required under law, including the County Charter. The confirmations follow legislative committee meetings where the appointments were each reviewed and considered before being sent to the full legislative body for approval.