Dr. Vincent M. Tamagna – Expert in Public Sector Values-Based Leadership

Dr. Vincent M. Tamagna is a seasoned administrator, policy advisor, and scholar specializing in values-based leadership in the public sector. With a deep commitment to equity, environmental justice, and bipartisan collaboration, he champions ethical, reflective public policy rooted in empathy, humility, and community impact.

Public Service and Local Government Leadership

Dr. Tamagna’s distinguished career spans more than three decades, combining legislative leadership, public sector management, and nonprofit engagement. He is widely respected for his ability to work across the aisle and deliver results that strengthen communities and foster resilience.

Current Role:

• Director and Program Manager of the Paratransit System, Broward County Transit (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
  Leading accessible transportation initiatives for one of the most populous and diverse counties in the U.S.

Past Roles and Achievements:

• Director of Public Transportation, Putnam County, NY (2013–2024)
  Oversaw $5.9M in planning, transit, and early intervention budgets; reduced costs by 20%; secured over $10M in grants; led the Southeast-Danbury Railroad Feasibility Study.

• Putnam County Legislator (District 1), 1995–2012
  Represented Philipstown and Putnam Valley for six terms; served as Legislative Chairman (2011–2012); spearheaded initiatives such as:

  • Term limits legislation

  • Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

  • Domestic partner registry

  • Agricultural Districts and Farmland Protection Board

  • Tourism Promotion Bureau and Visitors Bureau

  • Preserve America designation

• Constitution Island Association, President and Chairman
  Partnered with West Point to restore the Warner House and develop educational programs and virtual tours for students.

Academic and Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Tamagna is a recognized thought leader in public leadership studies, with a focus on applying moral and values-based frameworks to complex governance challenges.

Education:

• Ph.D., Public Policy and Values-Based Leadership, Concordia University Chicago (2023)
  Dissertation: “How State and National Political Leaders Employ Values-Based Leadership in Service of Passing Policy Initiatives, Building Consensus, and Building Followings” (Published by ProQuest)

• M.P.A., Master of Public Administration, Marist College (2017)

• B.A., Organizational Leadership & Communications, Marist College (2015)

• Certified in Planning and Community Leadership – Michigan State University / Pace University Law School

Scholarly Engagements:

• Leadership Navigator, Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College

• Contributor to the American Heritage Rivers Initiative (Executive Order 13061) under President Bill Clinton

Leadership and Management Expertise

Dr. Tamagna is an accomplished executive with wide-ranging expertise in leadership, operations, and ethical governance.

Core Competencies:

• Budgeting and Public Finance

• Strategic Planning and Policy Development

• Human Capital and Labor Relations

• Federal and State Grant Management

• Transportation Systems and Paratransit Management

• Environmental Resilience and Emergency Preparedness

• Civil Rights, Equity, and EEO Compliance

• Community Engagement and Public Communication

• Records, Facilities, and Information Systems Oversight

• Cross-sector Coalition Building

He is recognized for his inclusive leadership style, adaptability, and ability to energize teams with integrity, empathy, and vision.