Ex-Islip comptroller up for appointment as Suffolk Water CFO

The Democratic-controlled Suffolk County Water Authority board will vote tomorrow on naming as its top fiscal official Douglas Celiberti, who once served as Islip comptroller for powerful Republican ex-Town Supervisor Pete McGowan.

The authority's five-member board is expected to appoint Celiberti as chief financial officer to succeed veteran authority hand Larry Kulick, who has retired. Celiberti, who had been Kulick’s top aide since 2007, will make $135,000 a year in the new post — an $18,500 raise. But authority officials say Celiberti will make $13,500 a year less than Kulick and officials will leave one of the three top fiscal jobs vacant, while promoting Beth Vassallo, currently accounting department manager to become director of finance.

Celiberti. a Wantagh resident, had worked for Islip GOP administrations for 26 years including nine as comptroller before joining the authority. But authority CEO Jeff Szabo said Celiberti is not politically active. “Doug is true financial professional with years of experience,” he said.