Purchase, NY — Kenneth W. Jenkins was officially sworn in as Westchester County Executive during an Inauguration Ceremony held at Purchase College, marking the start of a new three-year term in office and a historic milestone for both Westchester County and New York State.
With his inauguration, Jenkins broke the glass ceiling as the first Black County Executive in Westchester County’s history. He is also the only Black County Executive currently serving in New York State, underscoring the significance of the moment in a state with 62 counties and a long history of limited diversity in county-level executive leadership.
The ceremony reflected both continuity and transition, celebrating Jenkins’ leadership over the past year while setting the stage for the work ahead. Family members, elected officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to witness the event, underscoring its civic importance and historical significance.
Jenkins took the oath of office administered by the Honorable Anne E. Minihan, pledging to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New York, and the Charter of Westchester County.
In his inaugural remarks, Jenkins emphasized a leadership philosophy grounded in accountability, responsiveness, and results.
“In my first year as County Executive, I’ve been guided by a simple principle: leadership that listens, acts, and delivers for the people of Westchester County,” CE Jenkins said. “We’ve strengthened our financial footing, invested in housing and infrastructure, expanded educational and economic opportunities, and made real progress on public safety — all while staying true to the values that unite us.”
Black Westchester’s Jailyn Gardner caught up to CE Jenkins to talk about his first order of business…
He framed the new term as a continuation of that approach while signaling a forward-looking agenda.
“This is just the beginning,” Jenkins added. “Together, we will continue to build a Westchester where opportunity is real, government is responsive, and every community thrives. We’ve proven that responsible leadership works.”
As Jenkins begins his historic term, the administration is expected to focus on maintaining fiscal stability, accelerating housing development, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that economic growth and public safety initiatives benefit every community across Westchester County.
