Giuseppe “Joe” Pruiti Middlesex County has a new county treasurer in Giuseppe “Joe” Pruiti, the county’s former assistant comptroller.
Pruiti, 49, is serving dual seats as county treasurer and chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding both James Phillips, the longtime treasurer who died Feb. 1, and Albert Kuchinskas, who retired last year after serving as comptroller for 46 years.
“I have worked very closely and had a very strong personal and professional relationship with both Albert Kuchinskas and Jim Phillips. Both of these men have been instrumental in mentoring me and preparing me for the position I now hold,” Pruiti wrote in an email. “Mr. Kuchinskas is one of the most ethical and hardworking professionals I have ever met. His willingness to share his knowledge and experience … is the very reason why I am now able to replace him.”
Phillips, he said, “was always willing to enlighten me with key information regarding county financing, and never hesitated to share his astute financial knowledge.”
Pruiti has worked for the county in various offices since May 1988. He served in the finance department for 15 years before assuming his new role.
“As the county CFO/treasurer, my main responsibility is to manage the fiscal operations of county government. … This position is the custodian of the county’s funds, which can only be expended by the Board of Chosen Freeholders,” he said.
In that capacity, Pruiti said he plans to keep a keen eye on the board’s operations in order to ensure efficient spending and implement sound fiscal strategies that will enable the county to retain a bond rating of AAA.
The new CFO and treasurer said he would also oversee the freeholder board’s entrance into new technological endeavors, including the use of EZ Pay — which would automate all county receipts — and the county’s new Internet system.
“These plans will no doubt continue to enable my department to perform what I think is one of the most important functions of my new role: to provide timely historical information to the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the county administrator in order to pursue the best fiscal strategies, which will ultimately benefit the taxpayers of Middlesex County,” Pruiti said.