Steven Rector has dedicated his career to making a significant impact in public service, and his journey is as dynamic as his accomplishments. Born and raised in Tivoli, NY, a quaint village in Dutchess County that spells “I Lov It” backward—a sentiment Steven wholeheartedly shares—he has always felt a strong connection to his roots.

After graduating from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Steven began his professional journey in the business offices of various Homecare and Hospice organizations. Over 12 years, he honed his managerial skills in locations as diverse as Wilkes-Barre, PA; Easton, MD; and Binghamton, NY. Seeking a career pivot, he transitioned into legislative work as a Legislative Director for a New York State Assemblyman. Soon after, he returned to Dutchess County, where he has spent the past 12 years as the Commissioner of Human Resources.

In his role, Steven oversees a team responsible for managing 73 civil divisions and over 9,000 employees in the classified service. His greatest professional pride is the HR team he has built—a dynamic and collaborative group whose dedication reflects the deliberate effort he has invested in fostering trust and teamwork.

Though not currently serving on boards or committees, Steven is an active participant in fundraising events and community activities that helps bring a positive impact to his area.

Steven’s leadership and experience have taught him valuable lessons, particularly in conflict management. Balancing the often-competing interests of applicants, unions, and appointing authorities is at the heart of his work. His ability to navigate these challenges and arrive at fair, impactful resolutions is a skill he values deeply.

His advice to those entering the field of civil service is to be patient. “Whether it’s HR law and regulation, union relations, or civil service administration, there’s a tremendous amount of complexity to what we do,” he shares. “It takes time to understand how these areas intersect. Our decisions have real impacts on people’s lives, so the focus should always be on making good decisions—not quick ones.”

Steven believes in the principles of merit and fitness, but he also acknowledges the challenges of an evolving world. “In today’s on-demand environment, the time it takes to go from application to eligible list is no longer acceptable and puts us at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting,” he explains. His vision includes on-demand testing with immediate results or alternative standards for assessing merit to streamline the hiring process and better meet the needs of employers and candidates alike.

When Steven isn’t managing the complexities of human resources, he enjoys golfing and boating along the Hudson River and sharing meals with friends and family. Most importantly, being back in Dutchess County has allowed Steven to spend more quality time with his father that he deeply cherishes.

Through his dedication to public service, innovative ideas, and focus on building strong teams, Steven Rector continues to make an indelible mark on the civil service system in Dutchess County and beyond.