MONTICELLO, NY — Ari Mir-Pontier, the executive director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission, announced this week that she will resign from her office to take a position in the office of Sen. Jen Metzger. Metzger plans to open an office in Liberty, and Mir-Pontier will be based there, serving as a representative to the community for the senator.

Mir-Pontier carved out a high profile while working with the commission. “We so much appreciate all that Ari has accomplished in her 16 months with us, and we warmly wish her nothing but success, knowing she will still be fighting for the rights of everyone,” said commission chair Judy Balaban. Other coworkers also spoke highly of Mir-Pontier.

“I am sad to see her go, as I enjoyed working with Ari on a range of human rights issues,” said Sullivan County Legislature Chair Luis Alvarez. “She brought a lot to that office and has raised the visibility of the commission.”

Mir-Pontier said she’s excited about going to another position that involves working in the community.

“I’ve learned a great deal and met some incredible people. I am grateful to both the commission and the legislature for placing their faith in me, and I encourage them to find a successor as soon as possible. This is an important role in the community,” Mir-Pontier said. “In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to do what I love: helping the people of Sullivan County.”

The Sullivan County Commission on Human Rights hears complaints involving human rights. The commission’s meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of each month in the Legislative Meeting Room of the Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North Street, Monticello. For more information, call 845/807-0189 or visit www.facebook.com/SCNYHRC.