Amanda Purcell is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media former police officer and youth counselor Mark Bryant has been named commissioner of the city's Youth Department. Bryant's appointment was effective June 19. He replaces Ken Hollenbeck, who resigned from the position in February. “He is a fantastic addition to the Youth Department and our city,” Mayor Rick Rector said. “I am extremely happy to be working with Youth Department Director Nick Zachos and the youth staff to build a stronger, efficient staff,” Bryant said. “I believe he has a great team in place right now.” Bryant took his first job at age 15 as a summer counselor at the former Hudson Boys Club. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1976 and was named Hudson Boys Club Boy of the Year. Bryant went on to serve with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, beginning in 1978, under former Sheriff Paul Proper. He later worked as a counselor to youthful offenders at the Brookwood Secure Center in Claverack for 10 years, and served as assistance police commission under Ronald Grant from 2009 to 2011. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.