ROCKLAND COUNTY COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR APPOINTED

Rockland County Executive Ed Day last week announced the appointment of Myrnia Bass-Hargrove as director of Community Relations.

“The Community Relations director has emerged as a major objective in my administration’s strategic plan and I have asked Myrnia to work with us to improve upon and build those relationships.”

Bass-Hargrove will serve as the liaison with local communities and will advise the county executive on issues critical to our multi-faceted citizenry. Additionally, she will help residents and stakeholders remain informed and engaged in the county’s policies, programs and decisions.

“As I stated during my state of the county message, all the people of Rockland County must work together to help us achieve our goals of financial stability, economic growth and preservation,” said Day. “In her new role, Myrnia will use her extensive background in communication and conflict resolution to strengthen the relationship between the county and our people. She will be a key player in creating a culture of cooperation and dialogue among local residents, neighborhood coalitions, religious groups, civic and business leaders and other community-based organizations. I am excited to add yet another extremely skilled individual to my Administration.”

Day said Bass-Hargrove will resolve community concerns by developing and implementing strategies to create mutually beneficial relationships. By listening and responding, an atmosphere of goodwill will take root in neighborhoods across the county.

Bass-Hargrove previously worked as Rockland County’s employee rights and relations specialist within the Department of Personnel. In that capacity, she investigated Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints and possible violations of the county’s anti-discrimination policies and executive orders. In addition, her expertise in dispute prevention and resolution was shared with county employees via specialized staff training in equal opportunity laws and workplace violence.

Bass-Hargrove previously served as director of the Rockland County Center for Conflict Resolution at VCS, operating for the New York State Unified Court System. In this role, she led programs on community mediation in the courts and surrogate decision-making on behalf of mentally and developmentally disabled, as well as school-based mediation/conflict resolution services.

Said Day, “Myrnia brings a depth of experience to the position that will help to enhance our community relationships and to continue to promote an environment that is welcoming to all.”

Bass-Hargrove holds a Master of Science in Social Work Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York College of the City University of New York. She lives in New Hempstead.