Suffolk County Government Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Suffolk County Government has 5 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, financial oversight, legislative support, economic planning, and executive leadership.

Committed to public service excellence, Suffolk County Government delivers essential resources to residents while fostering regional economic growth and maintaining robust safety standards across the entire county jurisdiction.

Leadership Roles at Suffolk County Government

  • Chief Financial Officer - Debora Dickerson-Sims
  • President - James Gruenfelder
  • Chief of Staff - Claire Mangelli
  • Chief of Staff To Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon - Stephanie Stafford
  • Department of Economic Development & Planning Chief of Staff - John Huttie
  • Debora Dickerson-Sims - Chief Financial Officer

    Debora Dickerson-Sims, the Chief Financial Officer at Suffolk County Government, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for all county services. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability in every financial transaction. Dickerson-Sims architects long-term fiscal strategies that support economic development and infrastructure maintenance across the region. This role requires constant interaction with the legislative body to balance revenue streams against the rising costs of emergency management and public safety initiatives. By implementing rigorous auditing standards, Debora Dickerson-Sims protects the financial interests of local taxpayers. The Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency by identifying cost-saving measures within the various departments. Through precise financial forecasting, Dickerson-Sims provides the necessary data to support sustainable growth and community investment, ensuring that the government maintains the fiscal capacity to deliver essential services to all residents and businesses.

    James Gruenfelder - President

    James Gruenfelder, the President at Suffolk County Government, provides overarching strategic direction and executive leadership for the entire organization. By setting the vision for public service delivery, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on the core mission of supporting residents and businesses. Gruenfelder oversees the implementation of high-level policies that impact emergency management, public safety, and economic development across the region. This role involves representing the government in high-stakes negotiations and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance community resources. Through consistent evaluation of organizational performance, James Gruenfelder drives continuous improvement in service efficiency. The President maintains a clear focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs of the population. By aligning departmental objectives with the broader strategic goals, Gruenfelder secures the effective operation of the county, ultimately promoting a stable and prosperous environment for all constituents.
    James Gruenfelder

    Claire Mangelli - Chief of Staff

    Claire Mangelli, the Chief of Staff at Suffolk County Government, directs daily administrative operations and coordinates cross-departmental workflows to ensure efficient service delivery. By managing internal communications and prioritizing executive initiatives, the Chief of Staff aligns departmental goals with the broader mission of providing high-quality support to local residents. Mangelli facilitates complex decision-making processes, ensuring that county resources reach the intended community programs effectively. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with various agency heads to streamline public safety initiatives and citizen services. Through rigorous oversight of operational timelines, Claire Mangelli maintains the integrity of county programs. The Chief of Staff monitors performance metrics to guarantee that all administrative functions meet the evolving needs of the population. By optimizing internal structures, Mangelli secures the operational stability required for the effective functioning of the entire government entity.

    Stephanie Stafford - Chief of Staff To Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon

    Stephanie Stafford, the Chief of Staff To Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon at Suffolk County Government, coordinates legislative priorities and manages constituent relations for the district. By facilitating communication between the legislator and the public, the Chief of Staff To Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon ensures that local concerns receive appropriate attention within the county framework. Stafford researches policy impacts and drafts legislative proposals that address economic development and public safety needs. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to advocate for community-focused initiatives. Through strategic scheduling and stakeholder engagement, Stephanie Stafford maximizes the legislative impact of the office. The Chief of Staff To Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon monitors the progress of various county programs to ensure alignment with district goals. By maintaining strong connections with community leaders, Stafford drives advocacy efforts that improve the quality of life for residents throughout the region.

    John Huttie - Department of Economic Development & Planning Chief of Staff

    John Huttie, the Department of Economic Development & Planning Chief of Staff at Suffolk County Government, directs strategic initiatives aimed at fostering business growth and regional planning. Overseeing the integration of economic development projects, the Department of Economic Development & Planning Chief of Staff ensures that land use and commercial expansion align with the long-term vision of the county. Huttie coordinates with private sector partners to attract investment and promote cultural and recreational development. This leadership role involves managing the administrative functions of the planning department to ensure that all development projects meet safety and environmental standards. By analyzing market trends, John Huttie identifies opportunities for sustainable growth that benefit local businesses and visitors. The Department of Economic Development & Planning Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between government agencies to streamline the permitting process. Through these efforts, Huttie drives the economic vitality of the entire county.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Suffolk County Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Suffolk County Government?
    Suffolk County Government is led by Debora Dickerson-Sims (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Gruenfelder (President) and Claire Mangelli (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Suffolk County Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Suffolk County Government includes leaders such as Debora Dickerson-Sims (Chief Financial Officer), James Gruenfelder (President), Claire Mangelli (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Suffolk County Government have?
    Suffolk County Government has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Suffolk County Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Suffolk County Government includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff To Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, Department of Economic Development & Planning Chief of Staff.