2024 Dutchess County Poet Laureate

Dutchess County established the Dutchess County Poet Laureate in 2016 to honor local outstanding poets, integrate poetry into the community, enrich the education of our young people, and enhance the County’s position as a cultural center in the Mid-Hudson region. Robert Kelly served as the first Dutchess County Poet Laureate in 2016, Poet Gold served from 2017 - 2018, Raphael Kosek served from 2019 - 2020 and Dr. Lucia Cherciu served in 2021 and 2022. Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil appointed Poughkeepsie resident Stephanie JT Russell as the County’s 2023 Poet Laureate.

2025 Ulster County Poet Laureate

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger instituted the Ulster County Poet Laureate program in 2023. New Paltz resident Kate Hymes served from 2023 to 2024. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger announced she has appointed Walkill resident Mike Jurkovic as the County’s 2025 Poet Laureate, bringing poetry to residents of all ages throughout the county.