Picente Announces Retirement of DFCS Commissioner and Interim ReplacementView

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced the retirement of Department of Community and Family Services Commissioner Colleen Fahy-Box following more than four decades of service to Oneida County residents and appointed Deputy Commissioner Michael Romano to serve as interim commissioner.

Fahy-Box officially retired last week after a distinguished career spanning more than 42 years in county government.

"Colleen Fahy-Box devoted her career to helping the most vulnerable members of our community and strengthening the systems that support children, families and older adults throughout Oneida County," Picente said. "She worked her way through the department over four decades, earning the respect of colleagues and the trust of the people we serve. Her leadership helped guide the department through change while always keeping the focus on delivering compassionate and effective services. On behalf of Oneida County, I thank Colleen for her extraordinary service and wish her all the best in retirement."

Fahy-Box began her career with Oneida County on Dec. 30, 1983, as a Department of Social Services caseworker. Over the years, she served in numerous roles including Substance Abuse Counselor II, Senior Caseworker, Case Supervisor and Director of Social Services. She was appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2012, named interim commissioner in 2017 and officially appointed commissioner on June 7, 2018.

Throughout her tenure, Fahy-Box played an integral role in overseeing programs and services that support county residents and advancing the county's human services mission.

To ensure continuity of leadership, Picente appointed Deputy Commissioner Michael Romano to serve as interim commissioner.

Romano brings more than 30 years of experience in health and human services and has served as deputy commissioner since September 2019. In that role, he has assisted in the leadership and oversight of the department and supported countywide human services initiatives focused on improving outcomes and self-sufficiency for Oneida County families.

Prior to becoming deputy commissioner, Romano served for more than a decade as director of the Oneida County Office for the Aging/Continuing Care and previously held leadership positions within that department beginning in 1991. His experience includes administration of public programs, development and oversight of local, state and federal funding initiatives, management of community partnerships and leadership of services supporting older adults, youth, veterans and individuals with complex health and social needs.

"Mike Romano's experience, institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to public service make him exceptionally qualified to lead the department during this transition," Picente said. "He has been a key member of our human services leadership team and understands both the operational and human side of this work. I am confident the department will continue providing the high-quality services our residents rely on under his leadership."

A search to find a permanent replacement for the position is being conducted.