Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who has been well-known for his military service and recent deployment overseas, announced today that he is being promoted.
This October, Neuhaus will advance to the rank of Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He is currently a Lieutenant Commander.
“I am honored to serve my country and to receive this promotion from the Secretary of Defense,” Neuhaus stated. “This would not be possible without the unwavering support of my family, my staff, and the brave men and women that I am proud to work alongside in the Armed Forces of the United States. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be of service to my country in the Navy Reserves, while also serving my fellow residents of Orange County.”
Neuhaus, age 48, started working with the Newburgh City Manager’s office nearly two decades ago. He was then elected the Chester Town Supervisor. When he was elected to the Orange County Executive in 2013, he became the youngest to fill this post in Orange County’s history.
Neuhaus enlisted in the Army Guard shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He later joined the Navy Reserves. He has been deployed to Africa, South Korea, Iraq, and somewhere in Europe during the Ukraine invasion.
All of Neuhaus’ deployments except the one to Africa occurred during his tenure as the Orange County Executive. He conducted daily operational business for the County government via teleconferencing. He even live-streamed a “State of the County” address one year from Iraq. During his most recent deployment this year, he continued to remotely with his Executive Team while providing video updates to Orange County residents.
