SULLIVAN COUNTY – Family, coworkers, friends and Sullivan County officials gathered in the Legislative Hearing Room Friday morning to mark the beginning of 2026 by swearing in Kathleen Lara, the County’s new Treasurer.

Kicking off the ceremony was Lara’s younger brother, New York State Budget Director Blake Washington, who addressed the County’s electorate exercising their right to vote during last November’s election and Lara’s readiness to helm the Treasurer’s office.

“You’re here because the people in Sullivan County have spoken,” Washington stated. “Kathleen, they trusted you to become a steward of their hard-earned tax dollars.”

Washington looked back on Lara’s longstanding work in county government, citing her experience of at least a decade’s worth of her Deputy Treasurer’s position. Washington assured that he knew that the people of Sullivan County “are in good hands.”

Also speaking at the event was Supreme Court Justice Meagan Galligan, who noted of Lara’s professional reputation and personal character.

“When she entered public service, I warned her about the pitfalls but also congratulated her on doing what is among the highest callings of citizenship,” Galligan recounted. “She displayed the keen eye that we all came to know of her during her previous professional work. She demonstrated tremendous integrity and drive to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t popular.”

Galligan also looked back on another strong suit of Lara: reliability. She explained that Lara was a person her boss “could trust under any circumstances,” and was humbled and proud to not only call Lara treasurer, but more proud to call her a friend as well.

Sullivan County Court Supervising Judge E. Danielle Jose-Decker shared in the sentiment, stating Lara as someone that “you can trust with your taxpayer dollars,” looking back on a friendship that began more than two decades ago, being among the first people Jose-Decker met following her moving to Sullivan County.

Also speaking, Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kay addressed the crowd as a longtime colleague and friend, noting Lara’s ability to balance responsibility with compassion.

“Watching Kathleen through the years, I always knew that she was meant to do great things. Not only does she have the integrity, and the intelligence, but she [also] has the kindness to do this job,” noted Kay. “A lot of what she does as Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer, is telling people things they don’t necessarily want to hear.”

Kay encouraged Lara to take in the moment, telling her, “Look around at this room, filled, standing room only, because of you.”

Following her formal swear-in by Judges Galligan and Jose-Decker, Lara thanked supporters and reflected on her career.

“I’ve done the last 11 years working in the treasurer’s office,” stated Lara. “I had spent my entire adult life working toward this moment.”

Lara thanked her family, shouting out her husband Rick and children Aaron, Desiree and Gavin, and expressed gratitude to county staff who assisted with the ceremony.

“They are literally the backbone of the county, and they do not get the recognition they deserve,” Lara said. 

Lara emphasized the seriousness of the role she now holds.

“Being sworn in today isn’t about authority,” Lara stressed. “It’s about responsibility. Every dollar that passes through my office represents somebody’s paycheck, someone’s tax bill, and their trust in government.”

She highlighted her priorities moving forward, such as transparency and accessibility.

“My goal is simple,” Lara said. “To serve thoughtfully, transparently, and in a way that earns the confidence of the people we serve.”

Lara also announced the appointment of Christopher DeBartolo as Deputy Treasurer.

“A lifelong resident of the county, Chris brings a fresh perspective and a strong skill set that will help us serve the public even better,” she stated. “I will never forget this day. Now let’s get to work and make 2026 our best year yet.”