POUGHKEEPSIE – City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison announced Wednesday that Brian Martinez has been selected to succeed William Brady as the city’s commissioner of finance.
Brady is retiring at the end of January. He served in Mayor Rolison’s administration since 2016, the majority of that time as finance commissioner.
Rolison said Martinez is the right fit for the job. “He has worked in finance in the Pentagon and other areas and since Brian Martinez has come on the job I have seen him in his position as a budget analyst and he is perfect for the finance commissioner’s position,” the mayor said.
After Rolison’s election as mayor, Brady was asked to serve on the city’s Fiscal Advisory Committee that played an integral role in getting the city’s finances in order and reducing the city’s general fund deficit.
During Brady’s tenure, the city saw its general fund deficit decline from $13.2 million to $7.1 million, as the city realized four consecutive years of strong fiscal management and budgetary controls.
“William Brady served this city with great distinction. He greatly aided the city’s ability to overcome a period of serious financial turbulence, and we are grateful for his work,” said Rolison.
“It was a pleasure working with Bill on the finance committee,” said Common Councilwoman Natasha Cherry. “He is the only person I know who can smile while delivering a hard truth or a bottom line. I thank him for all that he has taught me around finance and budgeting, and I wish him well in his retirement.”
Martinez began his service at City Hall in 2019 as the budget director. He and his spouse, Elaine Woods-Martinez, have deep roots in New York and the Hudson Valley with now three generations of family on both sides residing locally, upstate and downstate.
Martinez pursued a career as a naval officer, which was followed by his continued public service as a career senior manager in the federal civil service for The Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Martinez’s determined to “come back home” to New York and become residents of the City of Poughkeepsie. “We are thrilled to be part of the community that is the City of Poughkeepsie. After attending a first ‘First Friday’ event a couple of years ago, we were determined to make the City of Poughkeepsie our next home. I look forward to being part of the City’s leadership team,” Martinez said.
“Having Brian Martinez take over will ensure a seamless transition, and we look forward to Brian working on behalf of the city to keep our finances stable,” said Mayor Rolison.
Martinez holds a PhD in Public Administration from Old Dominion University with an emphasis in public management and organizational change involving technology.
He is a veteran of Gulf Wars I and II and the Global War on Terrorism.
His public management experience also includes serving as a Neighborhood Conservation Chair in the City of Norfolk, Va. and non-profit experience on the Board of Directors for Angel Airlines.
