As the new year unfolded, Lehigh Valley’s two counties welcomed new leaders who will play key roles in continuing the momentum that has built the growing region into one of America’s top mid-sized economic markets and a community that offers opportunities for everyone.
On Jan. 5, Josh Siegel was sworn in as County Executive in Lehigh County and Tara Zrinski was sworn in as County Executive in Northampton County. It is the first time in eight years that both counties have had new executives.
The counties are central partners in the Lehigh Valley’s regional coalition for economic development and are the top two individual investors in Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). In their new roles, Siegel and Zrinski will serve on LVEDC’s Board of Directors.
At age 32, Siegel is the youngest County Executive elected in Lehigh County and in Pennsylvania. Zrinski is the first woman elected as County Executive in Northampton County.
Siegel, a former Pennsylvania State Representative and Allentown City Council Member, replaces Phillips Armstrong, who was term limited.
“The Lehigh Valley has never been more prosperous or fortunate,” Siegel said after being sworn in at The Boys and Girls Club of Allentown Cumberland Gardens Clubhouse. “Our regional economy exceeds the size of three U.S. states. Our manufacturing share outperforms the nation. Our thriving cities, downtowns, and school districts have made us the envy of Pennsylvania and the entire Northeast. Our population continues to swell. Our growth is relentless, and our spirit of industry and innovation has been restored.”
Zrinski, a former Northampton County Controller and Council Member, replaces Lamont McClure, who did not seek re-election. She has said that economic development is among her top priorities.
“We will rise not toward power, but toward purpose,” Zrinski said. “Not for perfection, but for participation. We will rise together as a county government determined to build, to heal, and to leave this place stronger than we found it.”
Strong leadership by County Executives has been one of the keys to the Lehigh Valley’s economic renaissance and success, LVEDC President & CEO Don Cunningham said as he introduced Siegel at his inauguration.
“County government is uniquely positioned to bring people together across municipal lines and county lines to focus on regionalism to address economic and social issues, quality of life and criminal justice, and to invest in critical new needs and initiatives,” Cunningham said.
“Today we gather a few days after welcoming a new year to welcome a new county executive and to celebrate the hope and promise of a new beginning. For it’s in new beginnings that we are reinvigorated. It’s in new beginnings that we focus on tomorrow and all this is possible. We celebrate new energy and new vision and hope for what is possible,” he said. 
Kristin Cahayla-Hoffman, LVEDC’s Vice President of Business Development & Attraction, is a member of the transition team for both new County Executives.
Both counties also welcomed new legislators.
In Lehigh County, Sarah Fevig won the election to replace Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt, who did not seek re-election. And four incumbents were elected to new terms: Ron Beitler, Zach Cole-Borghi, Geoff Brace, and Antonio Pineda.
In Northampton County, Lori Vargo Heffner won re-election. Four new members were elected: David Holland, Theresa Fadem, Jason Boulette, and Nadeem Qayyum.
They defeated two incumbents, John Brown and John Goffredo. Two other incumbents, Jeffrey Corpora and Ronald Heckman, did not seek re-election.
(Photos courtesy of Lehigh County, Northampton County, Donna Fisher Photography)