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.