New City, NY – Rockland County has appointed Michelle Walker as its new Human Rights Commissioner, placing a longtime government and social services professional in charge of the county office responsible for promoting equal treatment and addressing human rights concerns among residents.
County Executive Ed Day announced Walker’s appointment on Thursday, Aug. 13, following what county officials described as an extensive recruitment process. Her appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Rockland County Legislature.
Walker brings approximately 25 years of experience in government, victim support, community coordination and trauma-informed program administration to the position. Her professional background includes work with government agencies and organizations providing services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes.
Most recently, Walker served as a program administrator for Westchester County government. In that position, she was responsible for daily program operations, compliance with federal and state regulations and coordination among government agencies and other organizations.
Before that position, Walker served as director of the Family Justice Center, where her responsibilities included overseeing grant-funded programs and coordinating legal, housing and social services for residents in need of assistance.
Walker also spent 17 years as assistant/site director of Victims Assistance Services at WestCOP, Inc., also known as the Westchester Community Opportunity Program. In that role, she oversaw trauma-informed programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes.
As Human Rights Commissioner, Walker will lead work associated with the Rockland County Human Rights Commission, which addresses issues involving equal treatment and protections for county residents.
The commissioner position carries an annual salary of $126,310. The appointment required confirmation by the Rockland County Legislature. County Legislator Dr. Dana G. Stilley, who serves as the Legislature’s liaison to the Human Rights Commission, and Legislator Paul Cleary spoke with Walker before the Legislature voted unanimously to confirm her appointment.
Day said Walker’s experience in both government and social services was a major factor in her selection. He said her career has involved developing programs designed to protect residents, improve accountability and coordinate services.
Stilley said the Human Rights Commission has a responsibility to serve as a resource for residents who believe they have been treated unfairly. She said she looks forward to working with Walker to strengthen the commission’s role in Rockland County.
Cleary also welcomed Walker to the position, saying the Human Rights Commissioner plays a role in helping ensure residents are treated fairly, have their rights protected and are able to have their concerns heard.
Walker takes over the position with experience spanning victim services, government administration, regulatory compliance and interagency coordination. County officials said that background is expected to contribute to the commission’s work with Rockland’s diverse communities.
Her appointment comes as county officials continue to emphasize the Human Rights Commission’s role in addressing discrimination concerns and promoting equal treatment for residents throughout Rockland County.
The county’s announcement did not identify specific policy changes or new initiatives Walker intends to pursue as commissioner. Her appointment places her in charge of the commission’s ongoing work and provides the county with a new official responsible for overseeing its human rights efforts.