Surrounded by colleagues, family members, and friends, Kenneth W. Jenkins was sworn in as Westchester County’s 10th County Executive. Jenkins was unanimously appointed County Executive by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, after serving as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer since January 1, 2018. As a leader in the administration, Jenkins worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, restore aging infrastructure, and protect the environment. Jenkins, a Westchester County resident for the past 43 years, made history as Westchester’s first Black County Executive.
Jenkins said: “I am deeply honored to have been named Westchester County Executive, a challenge I am braced to take on with integrity, respect, and vision. As Deputy County Executive for the past seven years, I have fought hard to uphold our principles – democracy, safety, education, technology, and community engagement. We have made tremendous progress and have much we can feel proud of, seeing the completion of key infrastructure projects, environmental upgrades, and social justice issues. I am confident that in this new role as County Executive, we will continue to make great strides for Westchester, together.”
Former Acting Westchester County Executive Richard Wishnie said: “We are very fortunate to have had the leadership of Ken Jenkins as we navigate through this historic moment in time for Westchester. Ken brings a wealth of experience and talent and is by far the most prepared individual to take on the role of County Executive. I know he will lead with transparency, fairness, and heart, and there is no one more deserving of serving as Westchester’s 10th County Executive.” Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi designated County Emergency Services Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie as Acting County Executive after Congressman-elect George Latimer officially stepped down from the role after seven years on Thursday, January 2nd.
“Ken Jenkins is a leader who understands the needs of our residents and the complexities of our County government. He is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Westchester and is uniquely suited to ensure the County continues to thrive during this critical time. His leadership will help ensure that the priorities of Westchester’s families, businesses, and varied communities remain on track. We look forward to continuing our productive collaboration with him now and in the future,” Gashi (D – New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said
The ceremony (see video below) was presided over by Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni, and Jenkins’ oath was administered by New York State Supreme Court Justice Anne E. Minihan, 9th Judicial District, in the Michaelian Office Building.
Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX, and Seer Technologies. As an owner and broker, he also gained valuable sales experience during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.
Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney’s Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers, and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.
A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester, and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.
Jenkins will serve as County Executive until the certification of the special election on Tuesday, February 11. The public will vote to elect a County Executive to serve the remainder of Congressman George Latimer’s original term through December 2025.
