Emily Giovanni Brings a Wealth of Experience to Scarsdale Village Hall

Scarsdale has a new Assistant Village Manager. Emily Giovanni was officially appointed at the February 11, 2025 Village Board meeting and brings a wealth of educational and work experience to the Village. Most recently she served as the Assistant Village Manager in Croton on Hudon and also worked in Planning in Suffolk County and as the Communications Director of a NYS State Senator. See below for her impressive resume of public service and what she hopes to contribute to Scarsdale Village Government.

Tell us about your background and education.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Politics, Philosophy, and Law (PPL), and English, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Binghamton University. My professional background includes several years of experience in communications, municipal administration, and public service. I previously worked in the Planning Floor Office of the Suffolk County Executive, where I gained insight into county-level operations and strategic planning. I later served as Communications Director for New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, where I oversaw messaging, media relations, and constituent communications. Most recently, I served as Assistant to the Village Manager for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, where I gained valuable experience in municipal operations and community engagement.

I grew up in Suffolk County, Long Island. My now-husband and I decided to draw a line between our hometowns — mine on Long Island and his in New Jersey. That line met right here in lower Westchester, and we've been happily calling it home ever since. On weekends, you’ll often find us cycling along the Bronx River Parkway during Bicycle Sundays or exploring the Saxon Woods Park trails.

How did you become interested in public administration and village government?

My interest in public administration developed through my experiences working at the state and county levels, where I gained valuable insight into the broader frameworks of government operations. However, I found local-level municipal services to be the most hands-on and rewarding, as they offer the opportunity to see the direct impact of government initiatives on residents' daily lives. I enjoy the variety of challenges that local government presents, and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with residents, elected officials, and staff to implement practical solutions that benefit the community.

What were your responsibilities in Croton-on-Hudson? What are some initiatives you worked on?

In the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, I served as Assistant to the Village Manager, providing administrative support for day-to-day municipal operations, assisting with budget preparation and analysis, overseeing grant applications, and coordinating community events, while also managing public communications, collaborating with department heads on infrastructure and sustainability projects, and spearheading process improvements through the implementation of new software and technology to enhance operational efficiency and better serve the community.

The Manager’s Office oversaw several major initiatives, including the installation of solar canopies at the Croton-Harmon Train Station — a transformative project designed to generate renewable energy while offering covered parking for hundreds of vehicles across the commuter lot. One of the most rewarding projects I led was the planning and execution of the Village’s annual Summerfest, where I worked hand-in-hand with a resident-lead committee to organize a vibrant celebration of the Village’s 125th Anniversary, coordinating dozens of vendors, performances, and activities to bring the community together in a memorable way.

Beyond event planning, I took the lead in modernizing the Village's communications and operations by authoring digital Village newsletters and enhancing community outreach. I spearheaded the transition to the Everbridge emergency notification system, significantly improving the Village's ability to communicate urgent information to residents. Additionally, I advocated for and implemented more tech-friendly, efficient municipal processes by introducing and optimizing software platforms like CivicPlus, WebTrac, and GovOS, making it easier for residents to pay bills, renew licenses, and sign up for recreation programs online.
Tell us about your new position in Scarsdale. What will you be working on? In my new role as Assistant Village Manager in Scarsdale, I’ll be supporting the Village Manager with the day-to-day operations of local government, working closely with department heads across public works, public safety, and recreation. I’ll assist with policy development, budgeting, and financial oversight to help ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Additionally, I’ll be involved in grant writing, project management, and community engagement efforts—collaborating with residents, businesses, and local organizations on initiatives that enhance village life. A key part of my role will also involve overseeing communications to ensure residents stay informed about important projects, events, and village decisions. I’m looking forward to contributing to Scarsdale’s vibrant community and supporting its continued growth and success.

What do you enjoy about working in Village government?

What I really enjoy about working in village government is the opportunity to connect with so many different people—residents, business owners, and colleagues—who all care deeply about their community. I love being part of a team that helps make daily life run smoothly, whether that’s through coordinating projects, supporting events, or improving services. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the work we do directly impacts the community in positive ways. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect, finding solutions that help the village operate more efficiently and meet the needs of its residents. There’s something special about contributing to the sense of community that makes a village feel like home.

In the few weeks you have been here, what are the differences in the way Croton-on-Hudson and Scarsdale Village Government work? In the few weeks I’ve been here, one noticeable difference is the scale and sophistication of Scarsdale’s operations. With a larger population and a more extensive municipal structure, Scarsdale has a level of specialization that sets it apart. The departments here have dedicated teams with distinct areas of expertise, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient approach to delivering services and implementing initiatives. In Croton-on-Hudson, the smaller size often required staff to juggle multiple roles across departments to accomplish projects. In Scarsdale, the resources, staff capacity, and operational structure create an environment where initiatives can be executed with remarkable precision and effectiveness. I’m excited to continue learning about these intricacies and to contribute to the high standards of service that Scarsdale is known for.

What opportunities, if any, do you see for improvements or enhancements here in Scarsdale?

It’s still early in my tenure, but I already see opportunities to build on Scarsdale’s strong foundation. There’s potential for process optimization, particularly in streamlining internal workflows to enhance efficiency. Additionally, exploring new technology upgrades could further improve service delivery and communication with residents. I’m also excited to collaborate with colleagues and community members to identify innovative community programs that reflect Scarsdale’s vibrant spirit. I look forward to working together to explore these opportunities and continue enhancing the exceptional services the Village provides.

Anything else you wish to add is welcome.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Village of Scarsdale and look forward to contributing to its continued success. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to exceptional public service, I’m excited to build on the Village’s strong foundation and help support its bright future.

On a lighter note, I’m a big sausage-egg-and-cheese enthusiast—always on the lookout for the best in Westchester. If you have a favorite spot, I’d love to hear about it!