About the Executive

With a Charter form of government in Ulster County, the executive authority is vested in an independently elected County Executive who is responsible for the proper administration of all County affairs. The County Executive is elected to a 4-year term. As the chief executive, some of the County Executive’s authorities include:

  • Serving as the chief budgetary officer of the County, and as such, preparing and submitting the annual budget, capital program, and accompanying message;
  • Appointing all department heads and other officers and employees;
  • Supervising and directing every executive department of County government;
  • Conducting collective bargaining negotiations with the legally designated bargaining agents of the county employees;
  • Approving or vetoing in writing every proposed local law, and the appropriate resolutions.

County Executive Jen Metzger

Jen Metzger was elected to the office of Ulster County Executive in November 2022, and serves as the first elected woman Ulster County Executive. She is an Ulster County resident of  23 years, with extensive experience in local, county, and state government, international affairs, and community advocacy. Jen believes in ‘thinking globally and acting locally,’ and leverages hard work, a collaborative spirit, and a solutions-oriented approach to build opportunities and overcome challenges for Ulster County residents and businesses.

As County Executive, she prioritizes climate action and environmental justice, housing, and mental health, and she is committed to building a sustainable, resilient, thriving Ulster County that leaves no one behind. 

 

Back to top