Former Mount Vernon Councilwoman Janice Duarte Among CE Latimer’s Key New Hires & Promotions

During this month-long recognition of Women’s History & Achievements, County Executive George Latimer is proud to announce key new hires and promotions within Westchester County Government. Blanca Lopez has been promoted to Deputy Planning Commissioner, Karen Pasquale has been added as Assistant Director of Operations and Janice Duarte will take a role as a program coordinator in the Department of Finance.

“These promotions and hires will add to an already winning team here in Westchester, who serve the residents of this County with heart and distinction every single day,” CE Latimer shared. “We know we are charged with being good stewards of this Government – and with this group of public servants – we are working hard to fulfill that mission.”

Janice Duarte made history in 2017 as the first candidate of Portuguese descent to win an office in Westchester County, when she was elected to the Mount Vernon City Council. Duarte brings a blend of broad industry experiences in both the private and public sectors.  She joins the County’s Bureau of Purchase & Supplies after 4 years in city government where she legislated and implemented the first electronic bid process in Mount Vernon.  Prior to public service, Janice worked for over 17 years managing various projects at small businesses and large corporations, ranging in roles in marketing, communications, project, and operations management. 

“I’m excited to join the procurement team and support the County Executive’s initiative to expand opportunities for Minority and Women-owned Businesses, as well as Disadvantaged Businesses,” Duarte shared. “I look forward to leveraging my skills and work hard to support this important economic driver across the County.”

Bianca Lopez previously served as Assistant Director of Operations for Westchester County responsible for oversight of all county housing-related programs, overseeing the recommendations and implementation of policies from the Police Reform & Reimagining Task Force across all County departments and worked with the Probation Department on Raise the Age implementation.  Her new role will take on the responsibilities of assisting in the direction and administration of all planning programs and policies for the County.

“It is an honor to be appointed Deputy Commissioner of Planning for Westchester County,” Lopez shared.  “This is a department that plays a critical role in improving the quality of life and environment of Westchester County. Working alongside Commissioner Drummond and her outstanding staff is a privilege, and I am excited to be a part of this team.”

Pasquale has worked in state, county, and municipal government for over 25 years. During that time, she has focused on advancing strategic and operational needs and transforming issues into actionable initiatives. She has built long-term, collaborative partnerships and believes in the power of government as a positive force in people’s lives. Her new role as a member of the Operations team will include a focus on the Departments of Correction, Probation, Emergency Services, Taxi & Limo Commission, Human Rights Commission, Consumer Protection and the County’s police reform & reimaging task force.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role and to be part of the County Executive’s team,” Pasquale shared. “I hope to put my experience and skills to good use and contribute positively to the team.”

These new roles for Lopez, Pasquale and Duarte add to an already diverse County workforce both Countywide and in the County Executive’s office.

AJ Woodson

AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief of Black Westchester and Co-Owner of Urban Soul Media Group, the parent company, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show. AJ is a Father, Brother, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Hip-Hop Artist - one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist whose byline has appeared in several print publications and online sites including The Source, Vibe, the Village Voice, Upscale, Sonicnet.com, Launch.com, Rolling Out Newspaper, Daily Challenge Newspaper, Spiritual Minded Magazine, Word Up! Magazine, On The Go Magazine and several others.