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Chris White, Beacon’s city administrator, will retire after 25 years of public service, stepping down this summer following the City Council’s approval of the budget for upcoming capital projects. According to Mid Hudson News, White, 56, has served as city administrator since January 2021 and has overseen a period of significant change and growth for the city.
White announced his retirement plans in an executive session after the council meeting on Monday (March 16), with his last day expected in June. Deputy city administrator Ben Swanson—the city’s first in that role—will take over on an interim basis, as reported by the Highlands Current.
During his tenure, White managed several large-scale projects. The most notable included the opening of a $14.7 million central fire station in October 2024 and the completion of a decades-long rehabilitation of Teller/Fishkill Avenue. White also led wastewater treatment plant upgrades, improvements to South Avenue Park, and new programs such as discounted trees for residents and participatory budgeting for Beacon High School students.
White’s earlier experience included serving as a city council member in the 1990s, managing a congressional district office, and working as deputy director of planning for Ulster County. White said, "The city is in pretty solid condition right now. The time to retire is after a championship year, and I have an amazingly strong team below me," as quoted by the Highlands Current.
Mayor Lee Kyriacou and council members praised White’s leadership, highlighting his ability to manage complex, multimillion-dollar projects and secure important grants for future city improvements. Under White, the city hired new police and fire chiefs and negotiated collective bargaining agreements that raised salaries for city staff, making Beacon more competitive in attracting top talent.
The City Council is expected to formalize Swanson’s appointment in the coming weeks, as Beacon prepares for this transition in leadership.