Chester County PA : Commissioners announce 2017 organizational leadership

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline was elected Chair of the Commissioners during this morning's Board of Commissioners organizational meeting. It is her first time to serve as Chair.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone was re-elected Vice Chair.

This election marks the first all-female County Commissioners leadership in Chester County's history. Commissioner Cozzone nominated Commissioner Kichline as Chairman, and Commissioner Terence Farrell, outgoing Chair, nominated Commissioner Cozzone as Vice Chair. The votes of the three-member board were unanimous.

Commissioner Kichline was sworn in as Commissioner in December 2014 following an appointment by the judiciary of the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County. She was elected Chester County Commissioner in November 2015.

Commissioner Michelle Kichline commented: 'It is a great honor to serve as Chair and I thank Kathi and Terence for their confidence in my leadership. Together we will continue the collaborative work that allows us to govern effectively and that sets the high standard of services and programs for the taxpayers and families of Chester County.'

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone noted: 'This Board will continue to work with a purpose to protect our vulnerable populations, to balance growth and preservation, and to keep our citizens healthy and safe. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Michelle and Terence as Vice-Chair of the Board.

Commissioner Terence Farrell said: 'It has been my pleasure to serve with Michelle and Kathi over the past few years. The mutual respect that we have as Commissioners allows us to continue our focus on the best interests of our 500,000-plus residents, which is achieved through exceptional service, innovation, transparency and accountability.'