Dana’s experience, tireless energy, and strong connections throughout the community and the region are the foundation for her continued success as a leader in these uncertain times.

Before serving in government, Dana worked in advertising and TV production. She and her husband Stephen Hersh chose Ossining as the place to grow their family. They were attracted to Ossining’s great views, diverse population, and excellent schools. Both of her sons graduated from the Ossining School District. Raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Dana holds a BA from Brown University in International Relations. When her children were young, she stayed home for a few years as a full-time mom.

Her work in the community – serving on the board of her sons’ nursery school, leading the PTA – led Dana into advocacy, public service, and then elected office. Dana’s experience as Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s Chief of Staff, as well as nine years on the Ossining School Board, gave her the skills needed for managing staff and taxpayer dollars. Her depth of knowledge has paid off in her ability to get things done for the Town of Ossining, often taking advantage of grant opportunities to offset local tax dollars. Since her tenure as Supervisor began in 2016, Dana has focused on building a healthy community—economically, environmentally, physically and mentally—all with a focus on equity. She has kept taxes in check while working to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our roads, parks and open spaces. Under her leadership, Ossining has become a leader in local environmental initiatives, including becoming home to the largest solar canopy in Westchester County. 

Dana brings her collaborative spirit and innovative approaches to problem solving to bear on her leadership, within and beyond Ossining. She is a founding member of the Ossining MicroFund and the newly formed Ossining for Refugees, organized in the wake of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Dana also serves on a number of boards throughout the region, including that of Sustainable Westchester, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation, the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, and Historic Hudson River Towns. Dana will continue to put her positive, can-do attitude to work making the 95th Assembly District greener, fairer and more prosperous for all.