Roughly four months after the departure of former executive director Ari Mir-Pontier, the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission (HRC) announced this week the appointment of Dana Borowski as its new head. 

Borowski, originally from Hortonville, is a graduate of Binghamtom University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics. 

“My focus in my research was on authoritarian regimes,” Borowski said in a release on her appointment. “I realized, however, that discrimination exists across any type of regime. I also realized that no matter where you are, human rights remain human rights.”

Borowski said she plans to reach out to the community in the weeks ahead, with a particular focus on those who are suffering.

“I want to make sure they have a voice and a place to go,” she related. “All men and women are created equal, and it is no one’s right to strip you of that equality.”

Legislature chairman Lui Alvarez said he's delighted to see a young professional who has decided to stay and contribute to the county. “Dana’s education, combined with her local experience, should prove incredibly valuable to the Commission and the citizens it serves," he said. 

Borowski will hold office hours at the Sullivan County Government Center Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.