Poughkeepsie arts commission welcomes theater producer Chris Bernie and confirms secretary, treasurer roles

Chris Bernie was introduced and accepted an appointment to the Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission, and commissioners approved officer roles by general consent. Bernie described himself as a theater producer and professor on the faculty at Fordham University and said he was “deeply honored and grateful” for the appointment. Why it matters: Commissioners said they wanted broader discipline representation on the commission, particularly performing arts and theater, to reflect the city’s diverse arts ecosystem. What happened: The commission formally invited Bernie, he accepted, and commissioners expressed support. Carrie Decker agreed to serve as secretary and Bernie agreed to serve as treasurer; both appointments were confirmed by voice consent with no roll-call recorded. Roles clarified: Commissioners described the secretary’s responsibilities as preparing and filing minutes and agendas with city hall, and the treasurer’s role as liaison with the city finance department and a resource for administering commission support for artists and projects. No municipal budgets or funding authorizations were approved during these confirmations.