History is being made in Orange County.

For the first time, a woman is leading a Department of Public Works, and that milestone is happening in the Town of Wallkill.

Michele Baker was officially appointed DPW commissioner last Thursday under the town’s new administration led by Supervisor Frank DenDanto, becoming the first woman to ever hold the position in both the Town of Wallkill and Orange County history.

“It’s predominantly male driven, so it’s very exciting to be breaking through some barriers,” Baker said. “To show women and young girls that there are opportunities in fields they may not have been aware of — that means a lot to me.”

Baker has spent her entire career with the Town of Wallkill, starting in 1996. She began working for the DPW nearly 30 years ago, first serving in administrative roles, including as a confidential assistant, before taking on expanded leadership responsibilities within the department. In 2015, she moved into a more senior administrative role and was appointed deputy commissioner last year prior to her selection as commissioner.

As DPW commissioner, Baker oversees multiple divisions, including the highway department, water and sewer operations, parks and recreation, building and facility maintenance and grant administration. In total, she supervises approximately 60 employees and is responsible for maintaining more than 165 miles of roadway across densely populated neighborhoods, rural areas and commercial corridors.

Her appointment comes during a challenging winter season, with DPW crews already preparing for another potential nor’easter expected to bring significant snowfall. Baker says crews are closely monitoring forecasts and ensuring plow trucks, salt supplies, and staffing are ready.

“We’re getting reports anywhere from five to eight inches to as much as 16 to 19 inches,” Baker said. “So, we have to be prepared for whatever comes our way.”

Over the course of her career, Baker has also played a key role in securing funding for town infrastructure projects, helping the Town of Wallkill obtain approximately $37 million in grant funding for road improvements, facilities, and other critical upgrades.

In addition to managing day-to-day operations, Baker says she recognizes the broader impact of her appointment and hopes it opens doors for others.

“Ability has nothing to do with gender,” she said. “If you’re the best person for the job, then you’re the best person for the job.”

Town officials say Baker’s decades of experience and institutional knowledge made her a natural choice to lead the department as it faces ongoing infrastructure, seasonal and budgetary demands.