Carmel, NY – This week, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne officially announced Michael Lewis as the next Commissioner of Finance. Lewis has been serving Putnam County as Chief Deputy Finance Commissioner since 2021, under the leadership of (now) retired Commissioner Bill Carlin.

“Mike Lewis brings a dedication to fiscal responsibility that is desperately needed to ensure the continued effective financial operation and management of our taxpayer dollars,” said County Executive Byrne. “I am confident in his ability to effectively manage the County’s finances, promote fiscal responsibility, and drive economic growth in our community. I look forward to working with him to further enhance the financial well-being of Putnam County.”

Lewis was appointed by County Executive Byrne after a competitive interview process was conducted by a selection committee that included Legislator Joseph Castellano, Chair of the Audit & Administration Committee, Deputy County Executive Jim Burpoe, Director of Personnel Paul Eldridge, Deputy Director of Personnel Adrienne Iasoni, and Commissioner Bill Carlin. Lewis’ appointment is presently acting as the interim commissioner until he is confirmed by the Putnam County Legislature.

“I am honored to serve as the Commissioner of Finance for Putnam County,” said Lewis. “I recognize that I have very large shoes to fill. But I learned a lot from Bill, and residents should rest assured that I am committed to upholding the County’s financial integrity and ensuring responsible fiscal practices. I look forward to working with the County Executive and our department heads for years to come.”

“The experience and dedication to fiscal responsibility that Mike Lewis brings to the table makes him the ideal candidate for this extraordinarily important role,” said Legislator Castellano. “I’m thrilled to support his appointment to the position, and I have full confidence in his ability to effectively manage our County’s finances.”

“I’m proud of Mike. I’m proud of the work we did together these last couple of years, and I’m confident that the County is in good hands with County Executive Byrne and Commissioner Lewis,” said Carlin. “It’s been an honor to serve the residents of Putnam County for the past 30 years.”

While Carlin has officially retired, he has also agreed to stay on through the rest of 2023 in an advisory role to the administration, at minimal expense to taxpayers. Carlin will assist the County in navigating its first budget without him at the head for nearly 34 years.

Lewis is a home-grown product of Putnam County, having graduated from Mahopac High School before earning a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting from Pace University. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post from having collectively worked over ten years as a private sector accountant and auditor at KPMG and PKF O’connor Davies, and over eleven years in government finance having served as Deputy Commissioner of Finance/treasurer for the City of New Rochelle and Chief Deputy Commissioner of Finance in Putnam County. He maintains active memberships in several professional public sector finance associations including the National Government Finance Officers Association, National Association of Counties, New York State Government Finance Officers Association, New York State Association of Counties, and New York State County Treasurer’s and Finance Officers Association.

Lewis’ appointment has been presented to the Legislature for their review and consideration.