POUGHKEEPSIE — The Dutchess County Legislature’s Family & Human Services Committee on Thursday unanimously approved the nomination of Dr. Andrew Guajardo as the county’s next medical examiner. Guajardo’s appointment, made by County Executive Sue Serino, awaits final confirmation by the full legislature next week.
Dr. Mary Grace Centeno has served as acting medical examiner since last year and will return to her previous role as deputy medical examiner on March 23. “We cannot thank Dr. Centeno enough for all she has done in the seven months in running and maintaining the Medical Examiner’s Office,” Assistant Commissioner for Administration Anthony Ruggier wrote in a memo to Assistant County Executive Ron Hicks.
The position carries an annual salary of $280,000.
Serino praised Guajardo’s experience, noting his more than 10 years in the field. “Dr. Guajardo has a wealth of leadership experience, and has led his colleagues in implementing best practices, provided his expertise in complicated death investigations, and developed strategies to integrate the work of the medical examiner with that of health providers and organizations in the community,” Serino said.
Guajardo was a fellow in forensic pathology with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner in 2018. Since 2019, he has held several roles with the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, where he currently serves as deputy medical examiner.
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