Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has appointed Joshua P. Gaccione as the new Director of Veteran Services. Gaccione, with a background in military service, higher education, leadership, and veteran advocacy, steps into the role with extensive experience.

Gaccione served in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 2000 to 2004 as an Intelligence Analyst and Paratrooper. His service included deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he contributed significantly to intelligence processing, security operations, and mission planning.

Jenkins remarked on the appointment: “Josh’s dedication to serving veterans is evident in everything he has accomplished. His military experience, combined with his passion for higher education and community service, makes him the ideal leader for our Veteran Services Department. We are confident that under his leadership, Westchester County will continue to provide the highest level of support to those who have served our nation. We also extend our deepest gratitude to retiring Veterans Director Ron Tocci for his service to our country and his many years of dedicated public service.”

After his military tenure, Gaccione focused on supporting veterans and underserved communities. Since 2013, he worked at Westchester Community College as Director of Student Support Services & Student Conduct. There he led initiatives against resource insecurity and secured funding for student support programs while establishing the Veterans Resource Office.

Expressing his commitment to his new position, Gaccione stated: “I am honored to step into this role and continue serving my fellow veterans. Westchester County has a strong tradition of supporting those who have served, and I look forward to expanding our programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every veteran in our community has the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen extended her congratulations: “Congratulations to Josh Gaccione on his appointment as Westchester County’s new Director of Veteran Services. Josh has been a good friend to me and so many in our Veterans community... I also want to recognize my mentor Ron Tocci for his work... Under County Executive Jenkins' leadership and Director Gaccione’s commitment, Veterans will continue receiving first-class service.”

Previously leading the Veterans Outreach and Support Program at Family Services of Westchester, Gaccione developed countywide initiatives providing essential resources for veterans. In his new capacity as director, he will oversee programs offering benefits access, employment resources, mental health support, among other services.