North Hempstead's First Female DPW Commissioner Makes History

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently announced the appointment of Kristin DiStefano Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, filling a position that has been left vacant for over five years. The appointment also makes DiStefano the first permanent female Commissioner of the Department of Public Works in the town’s history. With over 15 years of experience in civil engineering and construction management, DiStefano will play a crucial role in the Town of North Hempstead.

“It is an honor to help make North Hempstead history by welcoming our new Department of Public Works Commissioner Kristin DiStefano, the first female to hold the post,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. “Kristin’s impressive experience and qualifications made the decision to welcome her to our team quite easy. Our continued pursuit to make town services and facilities the best they can be for our residents will greatly benefit from her addition.”

DiStefano, born, raised and once again residing in Port Washington, possesses a deep understanding of the North Hempstead community in addition to her wealth of professional experience. This experience includes roles as a Field Engineer and Project Manager for construction management firms in Maryland and New York. With a degree in Civil Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, DiStefano went on to earn accreditations as a Professional Engineer and LEED AP, the standards for engineers.

“Returning to the Town of North Hempstead to continue my career as the first woman in my new role is truly a dream come true,” said Commissioner Kristin DiStefano. “I am confident that my professional experience will allow me to lead the Department of Public Works efficiently and, in turn, serve our residents to the best of my ability.”

Some of DiStefano’s key tasks will be the coordination of road maintenance, storm response, various sewer expansion projects throughout the town, and town construction projects. DiStefano officially assumed her new role on February 7, 2024.