HUDSON, N.Y. — The Hudson City School District is delighted to welcome Melanie Lasher as its new executive director of business and finance, effective Sept. 8. The Board of Education appointed Lasher to the position at a special meeting Aug. 3, 2026, after a comprehensive search that included initial candidate screenings, committee interviews and a final interview.
Lasher joins Hudson from the Greenville Central School District, where she served as district treasurer. She brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and school business operations, with expertise in budgeting, human resources, payroll, operations, regulatory compliance and financial management.
“I am excited to join the Hudson City School District and provide the stable, fiscally responsible leadership needed to strengthen and streamline district operations,” Lasher said. “My goal is to develop budgets that maximize programming for students, ensure long-term fiscal stability and demonstrate respect for the community’s investment in its schools.”
Lasher graduated from Empire State University with a Bachelor of Science in business, management and economics and is currently pursuing an MBA from Russell Sage College, which she expects to complete in 2027.
During her career, Lasher has developed extensive experience in New York state school finance, including state aid forecasting, ST-3 reporting, purchasing, contract negotiations, personnel management and the oversight of transportation, food service and facilities. For the past six years, she has served as a district treasurer, overseeing treasury operations, district cash flow and financial reporting across district funds.
Prior to her work as a treasurer, Lasher served as a building secretary and worked in the private sector, where she provided leadership, consulting and technical expertise to school districts and payroll service bureaus throughout New York state.
Lasher said she is particularly looking forward to working with Hudson Superintendent Todd Hilgendorff again. The two previously worked together at Greenville Central School District on school budgets, capital improvement projects and other district initiatives.
“I am especially looking forward to working under Superintendent Hilgendorff’s leadership again,” Lasher said. “We worked closely together at Greenville, and I am excited to build on that partnership and bring the same level of dedication and innovation to Hudson.”
Hilgendorff welcomed Lasher to the district, highlighting her experience in school finance and operations.
“Melanie’s strong understanding of school finance and operations truly makes her the best person for the role,” Hilgendorff said. “Her focus on long-term fiscal stability and providing opportunities for students makes her a valuable asset to Hudson. I’m excited to welcome her and work with her again.”
Lasher succeeds Christy Ferri, who left the Hudson City School District earlier this summer to pursue an opportunity with the Scotia-Glenville Central School District.
“We are deeply grateful for her service to Hudson and wish her the absolute best in this next chapter of her career,” Hilgendorff said.
Outside of work, Lasher enjoys camping, kayaking and traveling with her husband and spending time with her six grandchildren. She also serves as treasurer for the Kiskatom Fire District.
News Release Welcome Melanie Lasher- Executive Director of Business and Finance