Peter Criswell is currently serving his fourth term as an Ulster County Legislator, representing District 7 in the City of Kingston. Now in his third year as Chair of the Legislature, he previously served as Vice Chair and chaired the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee, leading the equitable distribution of $34 million in federal funding. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee.

His legislative priorities include advancing human rights, strengthening mental health services, expanding affordable housing, and championing the arts. In addition to his public service, Peter is a longtime nonprofit leader and serves as Executive Director of the Ulster County Historical Society. His community leadership includes service on the Board of Governors of Bard College, as Chair of the Board of Directors of Key of Q—the LGBTQ+ and allied a cappella singers of the Hudson Valley—and six years on the City of Kingston’s Arts Commission.

Peter holds a B.A. from Bard College and an M.S. in Leadership and Strategic Management from Manhattanville University.