Rockland County Executive Ed Day Appoints Joshua Nathanson As New Drainage Agency Director
Rockland County Executive Ed Day has announced the appointment of Joshua Nathanson as the new Executive Director of the Rockland County Drainage Agency, bringing years of legal and county government experience to the position.
Nathanson, who officially assumed his new role at the end of August, previously served for three years as a Principal Assistant County Attorney in the Rockland County Attorney’s Office, where he worked closely with the County Planning Department and handled real estate and environmental matters.
His responsibilities included reviewing State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) determinations, conducting environmental reviews for county open space acquisitions, and providing legal guidance on county-owned properties and infrastructure projects. Before joining the County Attorney’s Office, Nathanson served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.
Monsey Scoop spoke with several individuals familiar with Nathanson’s work in county government, who praised his legal expertise and professionalism. Those familiar with his work in the County Attorney’s Office, particularly in real estate and planning matters, described him as an excellent attorney who worked closely with the Planning Department and earned a strong reputation for his handling of complex legal issues.
The Rockland County Drainage Agency, established in 1975, is responsible for protecting floodplains, maintaining natural water flow, and regulating development along 14 county-protected streams spanning approximately 78 miles. The agency also oversees major infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing flooding throughout Rockland County.
Among its major projects are the $5.7 million Demarest Kill Dam Rehabilitation Project, the $994,000 Lake Suzanne Dam Upgrade, the $963,214 Minisceongo Creek Embankment Stabilization Project in West Haverstraw, and the $8.5 million Pascack Brook Bypass Culvert Construction Project in Spring Valley.
“Following Hurricane Floyd, it took nearly a decade to fully repair the extensive damage that was done,” County Executive Ed Day said. “However, thanks to increased staffing, more frequent inspections, and sustained diligence, the Drainage Agency has helped ensure that flooding has remained minimal.”
The agency operates under the chairmanship of Rockland County Superintendent of Highways Charles “Skip” Vezzetti, with its executive director overseeing daily operations, engineering staff, permitting, inspections, and infrastructure projects.
Nathanson’s new position carries an annual salary of $151,750. He succeeds longtime Executive Director Vince Altieri, who passed away in 2025.
