On Monday, Erie County Executive announced the following assignments:
Finance Director Patrick Ryan
Patrick brings nearly 20 years of experience in Erie County government, most recently serving as the Manager of Accounting and Finance, where he demonstrated strong expertise in governmental accounting, fiscal management, and the oversight of the County’s financial operations. His extensive institutional knowledge and commitment to sound fiscal practices have made him a valued leader within the County’s finance team.
Erie County Executive, Christina Vogel: “After nearly two decades of dedicated service to our county, Patrick Ryan brings unmatched institutional knowledge, fiscal discipline, and a deep commitment to transparency to his new role. His experience ensures that our taxpayer dollars will be managed responsibly and strategically.”
Director of Finance Patrick Ryan stated: “I am honored to step into the role of Director of Finance and to continue serving Erie County. I look forward to building upon the strong financial foundation already in place while working collaboratively across departments to ensure sound fiscal management, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Our focus will remain on maintaining fiscal prudence, strengthening financial oversight, and upholding the fiduciary responsibility that the residents of Erie County deserve.” Patrick’s appointment reflects the County’s continued commitment to maintaining strong financial stewardship and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and transparently.
IT Director Doug DeSanti:
Joining Erie County three years ago, Doug served as the GIS Manager. In this role Doug optimized Erie County’s geospatial investment through collaboration, policy, strategic planning and interdepartmental organization. His vison and leadership style built a strong team that enhanced government operations. His dedication and commitment to integrating technology and innovation across the County has earned him profound appreciation.
Director of Information Technology stated: “I am truly grateful and excited to begin this new role as IT Director serving Erie County. I will foster an engaging team culture that will promote success of both the organization and the people in it. While focusing on integrity; I will prioritize IT modernization. Modernizing our internal departments will lead to digital equity that will ultimately render services to our County residents more effectively and more efficiently. It is a privilege to take on this responsibility and I look forward to the work ahead.
Erie County Executive, Christina Vogel: “Doug DeSanti’s extensive experience across both the public and private sectors gives our county a unique advantage as we start to modernize systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve services for residents and employees alike. It is well known that the County IT department has taken some hits in the past year and I appreciate that Doug has enthusiastically embraced this new challenge to remake the department. I am looking forward to the additional structure and advances that will happen under a revamped IT department under Doug’s leadership and I know the taxpayers of our county will be pleased as well.”
County Wide Engagement Officer John Stehlin:
In this role, Stehlin will lead strategic communications, media relations, and public outreach efforts for Erie County. Stehlin brings more than 30 years of experience connecting with the community, most notably through his work in broadcast meteorology and through social media. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for delivering timely, accurate, and relatable information, especially during severe weather and critical events.
Erie County Executive Christina Vogel: “John has been a trusted voice in our community for decades. His ability to communicate clearly and connect with people makes him the ideal choice to help strengthen how Erie County engages with residents.”
Countywide Engagement Officer John Stehlin stated: “I’m excited to continue serving the people of Erie County. For more than 30 years, I’ve helped deliver critical information, from severe weather to everyday updates, and I look forward to expanding that work in this new role. I’m grateful to County Executive Christina Vogel and Erie County Council for this opportunity. Clear, timely communication has always been at the heart of what I do, and I’m ready to bring that to the residents of Erie County.”
As Countywide Engagement Officer, Stehlin will also focus on highlighting the people, businesses, culture, and landscapes that make Erie County unique, while ensuring residents stay informed and connected.
HR Director Kyle Shoulders:
Kyle Shoulders previously served as the County’s Talent Acquisition Manager and Wellness Coordinator, where he played a key role in strengthening recruitment, workforce development, employee wellness, and personnel policy administration.
Prior to joining Erie County, Kyle held roles in higher education at Mercyhurst University and Penn State University, where he focused on advising, leadership development, and student engagement. Kyle Shoulders will start in this role on May 4th.
Kyle holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Speech Communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He is a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and holds a Certificate in Data Analytics from HRCI. In addition to his professional work, Kyle serves as a Council Member for the Borough of Edinboro and coaches tee-ball for McLane Little League.
Kyle Shoulders: “I am honored to serve as Director of Human Resources and grateful for the opportunity to support the employees who serve Erie County every day. Our workforce is the foundation of the services we provide, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place while working collaboratively to strengthen our organization and better serve our community.”
County Executive, Christina Vogel: “A strong organization starts with strong people and Kyle Shoulders has the knowledge, professionalism and integrity to build a workplace culture that attracts, retains, and supports exceptional public servants. He will ensure that our employees feel supported, valued and equipped to serve the public at the highest level.”
Director of Public Safety John Durlin:
After starting in the interim role, John Durlin has accepted the permanent role as the Director of the Department of Public Safety for Erie County.
Erie County Executive, Christina Vogel: “When I stepped into this role, I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by the positive changes already underway in the Department of Public Safety. John Durlin’s steady leadership, openness to collaboration, and focus on professionalism have made a real difference for both the department and the community it serves. Making John the permanent Director of Public Safety recognizes the progress we’ve seen and ensures we continue building on that momentum together.”
Director of Public Safety, John Durlin: “I am appreciative to be granted this opportunity by County Executive Vogel. The Department of Public Safety team is highly skilled and capable. My role as Director is to support them, and provide the tools they need to complete our mission. We are excited about the future and look forward providing exceptional service to the public and our emergency responder partners in support of the County Executive’s vison. Public Safety will always be about what we do, not who we are.”
