County Attorney’s Office to have new leader
James Fedorchak is retiring, and his chief assistant, Caroline Blackburn, has been appointed to succeed him.
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. » James Fedorchak will retire as Dutchess County attorney at the end of the month, and Chief Assistant County Attorney Caroline Blackburn has been appointed to replace him, according to County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Blackburn would be the first woman to serve as
Dutchess County attorney, Molinaro said in a press release. Her appointment must be confirmed by the county Legislature.
Blackburn is to become acting county attorney effective Nov. 1, prior to the Legislature’s first opportunity to confirm her.
“Jim Fedorchak has led the Dutchess County Attorney’s Office over the past decade with professionalism, integrity and dedication,” Molinaro said in a statement. “We are grateful to Jim for his wise counsel and steady leadership. We wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
Fedorchak was appointed county attorney in February 2010 following a career in private practice, the release said.
Blackburn started in Dutchess County government as a legal intern as she worked toward earning her degree f rom Albany Law School. After graduating in 2011, Blackburn returned home to Poughkeepsie, where she entered private practice with a local firm, focusing on labor and employment law, education law, and special education law. She returned to the Dutchess County government in 2013 as an assistant county attorney and became chief assistant in 2017.
“Caroline’s experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and commitment make her the right person to take on this critical role,” Molinaro said.
The Dutchess County attorney serves as the sole legal adviser to the county; prepares legal papers and instruments pertaining to county government; prepares memoranda and opinions regarding local laws, resolutions and legalizing acts; and prosecutes and defends civil matters or proceedings involving the county and its units, including its officers.