County Executive
Steve Neuhaus
An Experienced Voice.
The Trusted Choice.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As County Executive, I have worked hard to keep our community safe, grow our economy, and keep our taxes affordable. A few notable successes include:
- The County Tax Rate has dropped for nine consecutive years and remains the lowest since the 1960s.
- Orange County Government’s workforce is smaller and more efficient than it was ten years ago.
- My administration has invested millions of dollars to upgrade and improve Orange County’s infrastructure.
- In 2024, Orange County’s financial bond rating was upgraded by Standard & Poors to AA+. This distinction is shared with only two other counties out of 62 in New York State.
- Despite NYS required unfunded mandates, the County’s unassigned fund balance continues to grow and is now back to State Comptroller and bond agency recommended levels.
- Under my leadership, the County has less debt than it had ten years ago.
- My administration has ensured that Orange County has a top-notch Emergency Management Team. Working together, we have safely and successfully navigated the County through various emergency events, including the pandemic, bus crashes, floods, and fires.
- We are investing in communication upgrades in schools to help first responder communication systems work more effectively, enhancing the safety of students and staff in school buildings throughout the County.
- We also implemented the School Bus Arm Cameras which help to keep our students safer while being transported to and from school and activities.
- I work directly with CEOs of businesses that are considering Orange County to attract economic development projects that will ensure the availability of good-paying jobs for our residents.
- I have led a concerted effort to invest in preserving land in Orange County, enhancing our parks system and saving open space, which has a positive impact on the quality of life for residents and visitors.
- We have separated the County’s Information Technology and General Services departments and hired savvy leaders in both positions who are streamlining processes, safeguarding County data, and updating procedures and protocols.
- I launched a Leadership Speaker Series which features leaders from various walks of life sharing their challenges and triumphs. These can be attended in person and/or watched on YouTube.
- I continued my “Citizen of the Month” and “NEUcast” initiatives, both of which highlight individuals and businesses in Orange County that make a difference and contribute positively to our community.
To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @OrangeCountyNYGovt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.
BIOGRAPHY
A lifelong Orange County resident and the son of immigrants, Steve Neuhaus was raised with his two sisters on a working farm in southern Orange County that is still operational today. He attended Monroe-Woodbury High School, then earned a bachelor’s degree in history/political science from Mount Saint Mary College, and later earned his master’s in public administration from Marist College. After serving as the Town of Chester’s Supervisor for six years, Steve was sworn in as Orange County Executive in 2014 and is the sixth County Executive since the office was established in 1970.
Steve is a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, currently assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet after completing an assignment with the Office of the Naval Inspector General. He received his Joint Professional Military Education I degree in National Security Studies and has earned two warfare designations: Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) Officer and Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps Officer (NESCO). He also holds certifications from the Naval War College and the Joint Special Operations University. Steve has served in many locations domestically and abroad, including assignments to Africa, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Italy.
Steve was recently honored by Mount Saint Mary College at its Annual Leadership Gala with the Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence.
In addition to his military service, Steve is proud to be:
- A founding and current member and former chairperson of the Families of War Veterans Committee
- A supporter of Hudson Valley Honor Flight
- A member of the Board of Directors for the County Executives of America (CEA)
- A member of the Board of Directors for the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC)
- Past President of the New York State County Executive’s Association (NYSCEA)
- A former interior-rated volunteer firefighter of the Lakeside Fire Department in Monroe
Steve is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys beekeeping and honey-making. Steve lives in Chester with his family.
“Steve Neuhaus has demonstrated exceptional leadership as County Executive for Orange County, consistently prioritizing the needs of its residents and fostering economic growth. Under his guidance, the county has seen significant advancements in infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. His commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing quality of life through community-focused initiatives has strengthened the region’s economic resilience. Steve’s ability to navigate challenges with a balanced approach has made him an invaluable leader, earning the trust and respect of the community he serves. Orange County continues to thrive under his stewardship, thanks to his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts.”
Denise Quinn, Supervisor, Town of Wawayanda and President, Orange County Association of Cities, Towns, and Villages