Carmel, NY – Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne today announced the appointment of the Honorable Jacqueline Annabi as Chief of Staff, effective January 1. 

Annabi brings a distinguished record of public service and executive leadership to Putnam County. During her tenure in Putnam Valley Town hall, including service as Town Supervisor and as a member of the Town Board, she earned a reputation for sound fiscal management, collaborative governance, and results-driven leadership. Her accomplishments include delivering balanced budgets, developing new alternative revenue streams to lessen reliance on property taxes, and playing a central role in spearheading a historic countywide sales tax compromise among towns, villages, and the county—an agreement that ultimately enabled the Byrne Administration to deliver the largest property tax cut in county history. 

She is widely known throughout Putnam County for her advocacy on behalf of residents, particularly within the Veterans and Senior communities, and as a reliable friend and advocate for agriculture and family farms. In recent years, Annabi participated in numerous public meetings and forums pressing county and local officials for reforms to ensure fair consideration and inclusion of farmers within New York State agricultural districts, helping to strengthen protections for local agriculture and family farms. 

In addition to her leadership in elected office, Annabi previously worked in the office of New York State Senator Sue Serino, where she gained valuable experience in state government, policy making, and constituent services. Earlier in her career, she served as an office manager for a respected local law firm, further grounding her work in legal and regulatory matters. 

Annabi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Connecticut State University and is a respected member of the New York State Association of Towns. She is also a longtime volunteer and coordinator for several local charities and nonprofit organizations that partner with the county, including Guardian Revival & the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer program at their annual Chow Down for Veterans. 

Annabi and County Executive Byrne have worked closely together for nearly two decades, dating back to Byrne’s service as a volunteer on the Putnam Valley Town Planning Board, Annabi’s first campaign for Town Board, and Byrne’s first campaign for the New York State Assembly. 

“Jackie is a proven leader with deep institutional knowledge, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Putnam County,” said County Executive Byrne. “She understands local government from the ground up and has consistently delivered results. She will be a terrific Chief of Staff. I’m grateful to her for accepting this appointment so she can continue her service to the beautiful county we know and love.” 

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Staff,” Annabi said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside County Executive Byrne and our dedicated county team to advance policies that strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for Putnam County residents.” 

“Jackie Annabi has long been a thoughtful, steady, and effective leader,” said Kent Town Supervisor Jaime McGlasson. “Her experience, integrity, and collaborative approach will serve Putnam County extremely well in this new role.” 

“Jackie Annabi is someone I trusted and relied on during my time in the State Senate,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “She is thoughtful, hardworking, and deeply committed to the people she serves. I’ve seen her lead with both strength and compassion, and I know she will bring that same dedication to her new role. Putnam County is fortunate to have her in this position, and I’m proud to see her continue her service in public life.” 

Annabi will succeed Dain Pascocello, who is departing county government to take on a new major role in a federal campaign poised to have national impact. Additional details regarding Pascocello’s next chapter will be announced at a later date. 

“Dain has been an outstanding Chief of Staff and a trusted advisor,” Byrne added. “His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service helped move Putnam County forward in many meaningful ways. While we’re sorry to see him leave this role, we’re excited to see him take on this next challenge. I thank Dain for his service and wish him continued success.” 

Annabi will officially assume her duties on January 1.