L-R-Leonard Townes, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, Joan McDonald, Director of Operations, Joshua Gaccione, Incoming Director of Veteran Services, Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Executive, Diane Atkins, Director of Human Services
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has appointed Joshua P. Gaccione the new Director of Veteran Services. With an extensive background in military service, higher education, leadership and veteran advocacy, Gaccione brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role.
Gaccione served in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 2000 to 2004 as an Intelligence Analyst and Paratrooper. During his service, he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he played a critical role in intelligence processing, security operations and mission planning.
Jenkins said: “Josh’s dedication to serving veterans is evident in everything he has accomplished. His military experience, combined with his passion for higher education and community service, makes him the ideal leader for our Veteran Services Department. We are confident that under his leadership, Westchester County will continue to provide the highest level of support to those who have served our nation. We also extend our deepest gratitude to retiring Veterans Director Ron Tocci for his service to our country, and his many years of dedicated public service.”
Following his military service, Gaccione dedicated his career to supporting veterans and underserved communities. Since 2013, he has served at Westchester Community College, where he served as Director of Student Support Services & Student Conduct. In this role, he has led initiatives to combat resource insecurity, secured millions of dollars in funding for student support programs, and developed policies that have had a lasting impact on student success. Most notably, he established the Veterans Resource Office, increasing enrollment, retention and graduation rates for student veterans while ensuring compliance with state and federal policies.
Gaccione said: “I am honored to step into this role and continue serving my fellow veterans. Westchester County has a strong tradition of supporting those who have served, and I look forward to expanding our programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every veteran in our community has the resources and opportunities they deserve.”
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said: “Congratulations to Josh Gaccione on his appointment as Westchester County’s new Director of Veteran Services. Josh has been a good friend to me and so many in our Veterans community, and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins made a fantastic choice with his appointment. I also want to recognize my mentor Ron Tocci for his work as Westchester County’s Director of Veterans Services, a Member of the New York State Assembly, Westchester County Board of Legislators, and United States Army. I know everyone joins me in wishing Ron well in his next chapter. Under County Executive Jenkins’ leadership and Director Gaccione’s commitment, Veterans will continue receiving first-class service as Westchester County remains a dynamic, inclusive place where everyone, especially Veterans and their families, can thrive.”
As the former Director of the Veterans Outreach and Support Program at Family Services of Westchester, Gaccione developed and managed a countywide initiative that provided vital resources and support for veterans and their families. His expertise in program development, strategic partnerships, and advocacy has made a significant impact on the veteran community in Westchester County.
In his new role, Gaccione will oversee programs and services that assist veterans in Westchester County, ensuring they have access to benefits, employment resources, mental health support and community-based initiatives.
