By Carol P. Bartold

Apr. 22, 2015:  In most workplaces, employees strive to move "upstairs," literally and figuratively, but for Mary Ann Magliato, secretary to the mayor and village administrator, a move downstairs has proven to be positive for her and for the Village of Bronxville. 

Magliato, a Bronx native, Iona College graduate, and New Rochelle resident, came to Bronxville Village Hall in October of 2013 as a part-time employee in the building department on the second floor of village hall. 

Magliato accepted a full-time position in the village office and move downstairs in the summer of 2014, which coincided with Jim Palmer's joining the staff as village administrator. "This job is a very good fit," Magliato said, "because I came along at the right time." 

In reporting to Palmer, Magliato not only handles much of his correspondence, she also prepares the agenda and records the minutes for board of trustees meetings. She also issues permits, serves as deputy registrar of vital statistics, posts legal notices, and assists with the annual village election. 

"Mary Ann is a wonderful addition to our team," said Palmer. "I rely heavily on her and know she is committed to serving the Bronxville community." He pointed out that, as she is often the first point of contact for residents, her professional, thoughtful, and courteous manner assures members of the community that their needs will be properly addressed. 

Magliato marvels at how much goes on behind the scenes in running and managing a small village. "Nobody realizes how involved working in a municipality is until you're actually doing it," she said. "I face different situations, I'm busy every day, and I love it." 

Helping Mayor Mary Marvin with her weekly column, Magliato said, has been invaluable in helping her continue to learn about village government. 

"Mary Ann is so capable and talented," Marvin said. "She's willing to take on any task and is a wonderful face of the village. We are so lucky to have found her." 

A marketing major, Magliato graduated from Iona with a bachelor's degree in business administration and became a real estate agent. She had her own office in the Bronx and discovered that the demands of residential real estate meant she and her husband had to spend considerable time away from home and their two daughters. When they sold that office, her husband and a friend opened a property tax grievance business. Magliato worked for them out of their home prior to joining the village staff. 

"I had been ready for a long time to return to full-time work," Magliato said. "I love working here. I look forward to coming to work and I leave in a good mood every day." 

Pictured here:  Mary Ann Magliato. 

Photo by N. Bower