A lifelong Westchester resident, and someone who began his career as an intern in Westchester County Government, will now take charge of the county governments largest department, the Westchester Department of Social Services, (DSS), after his appointment by County Executive George Latimer on Feb. 25.
Latimer said: “Leonard is a man dedicated to serving the people of Westchester, as evidenced by his 34 year career doing exactly that. DSS is tasked with assisting some of the County’s most vulnerable residents, many who have been impacted severely by the coronavirus pandemic. Leonard’s experience has him ready to take this challenge head on and do it with the compassion it requires.”
Townes, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with an M.P.A. from Pace University, began his career in Westchester County 34 years ago as an Eligibility Examiner. In 2002 Townes took on the role of Management Fellow, and from there he ascended through various roles to the position of Deputy Commissioner in January 2018. Townes will bring the intricate knowledge of the Department’s various programs and services that he has acquired to his new role.
Townes said: “Our Department’s mission each day will be to better the lives of the people we serve by providing the services that they rely on in an efficient manner. I have worked at nearly every level of this Department and understand how each level must interact with each other to accomplish this goal. I thank County Executive Latimer for this opportunity.”
Townes is a lifelong resident of Westchester, graduating from Woodlands High School in Hartsdale, and currently resides in Yonkers. His appointment is effective immediately.
