Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has named James Amenta as the new Deputy County Executive, succeeding Johanna Contreras, who will depart April 25 to join Congressman Pat Ryan’s office.
Amenta brings 18 years of federal government experience, including 10 years with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and eight with the Department of Homeland Security. At HUD, he managed billions in federal grants and led compliance, fiscal strategy, and interagency collaboration efforts. Earlier, he developed administrative policies and oversaw regulatory compliance at Homeland Security.
Since moving to Phoenicia in 2018, Amenta has been active in local initiatives, co-founding the Phoenicia Farmers Market and Shandaken Community Compost Project. He holds a Master of Public Administration from CUNY and a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University.
Deputy County Executive Jamie Capuano will also assume the role of Chief of Staff, adding daily office operations to her current departmental oversight duties.
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