Knille
Balkind
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County’s Public Works commissioner for the last three years, Noel Knille, is resigning to take a top level job at a university in Egypt.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro announced on Monday that she will leave her post on October 21 to assume the position as associate vice president for a “major university” in Egypt.
Molinaro will appoint Deputy Commissioner Robert Balkind, as commissioner when Knille leaves office. He served as acting commissioner for 14 months until Knille was named to the top job.
Balkind joined county government in 2004 as assistant director for the DPW’s Engineering Division, following more than a decade with the State Department of Transportation and the private sector.
“Bob is a respected leader who understands the operations of the department inside and out and is well respected throughout the community,” said the county executive. “He will ensure the positive momentum of the past several years continues and we continue to move Dutchess County forward.”
Balkind said among the projects in which he will be involved are the design and construction of the Dutchess County Justice and Transition center and the development of a new parks master plan.
The county legislature must confirm his appointment, which is expected to be a formality.
