Mount Vernon — Elected officials, local clergy members, City Hall employees, friends and family all gathered at The Steam House Restaurant and Lounge (128 Gramatan Ave) to honor Mount Vernon Tax Assessor Mrs. Stephanie G. Vanderpool, Wednesday night.
Mayor Richard Thomas appointed Stephanie Vanderpool to the role of Commissioner of Assessment and Taxation (City Assessor) in the City of Mount Vernon, Friday, February 5th. Mrs. Vanderpool is the first African-American woman to hold this title in Mount Vernon’s history. The first African-American woman in the State of New York to hold the position. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Deputy Commissioner of Assessment and Taxation for more than a decade.
“This is BIG! Mrs. Vanderpool’s appointment breaks a barrier for women, especially African-American women in the region,” Mayor Thomas told BW after the announcement of her appointment in February. “History is being made and her unparalleled skills and astute acumen will help property owners get more value out of their investments in Mount Vernon. She is sharp, fair and focused on implementing the vision to see Mount Vernon rise again.”
Councilwoman Lisa Copeland was the Mistress of Ceremony for the evening, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey R. Wheeler performed the opening prayer. Haley Smith sang the national Anthem and Angela Scott gave a stirring rendition of I’m Every Woman from Chaka Khan’s 1978 debut solo studio album Chaka, which got every woman in the house singing along. Haley Smith, an outstanding up and coming performer, came back up and blessed the crowd with an original song toward the end of the festivities. DJ Traxx provided the soundtrack for the evening on the one’s and two’s.
One after another friends, co-workers and elected officials presenting proclamations, all sang Stephanie’s praises. Legislator Lyndon Williams announced the County’s observation of Stephanie Vanderpool Day on Saturday, August 6th. Representatives from Elliot Engel’s office, NYS Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, The City Council, The Mayor’s office and the Steam House also presented proclamations to Ms. Vanderpool.
A lifetime resident of the City of Mount Vernon, Mrs. Stephanie G. Vanderpool, has been employed with the City since 1992. She has been in the deputy position for 14 years having risen through the ranks to her current position. She is married and has three children.
As Assistant Assessor, she helped administer and evaluate all properties and assessments and is responsible for administering property tax exemptions. Stephanie assists the Assessor in field inspections and measurements of properties for re-assessment of new construction; evaluates fire-damaged property and demolition of existing structures. In addition, she assists the Assessor in appraisal of real property for assessment purposes and balancing the City’s Assessment Roll.
Black Westchester Magazine would also like to salute Stephanie Vanderpool in making history and always representing the city of Mount Vernon with class and dignity in all she does.
