Meet New Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins
Westchester County welcomed Kenneth W. Jenkins, our 10th County Executive, on January 6th, 2025. This new step in leadership follows the stepping down of former County Executive George Latimer. Latimer is headed for Congress this year and has made way for a historic change in leadership.
Kenneth W. Jenkins was officially sworn in as Westchester County’s 10th County Executive in a ceremony surrounded by his colleagues, family members, and friends. His appointment was made by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, following his role as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer since January 1st, 2018.
Throughout his time in the administration, Jenkins has been a proactive leader, championing various initiatives with the focus of improving the lives of Westchester County residents. One of his many initiatives includes working to cut taxes for our residents. Jenkins aimed to ease the financial burden on families and businesses alike in Westchester. Another important cause for Jenkins is the commitment to building affordable housing, which addresses the pressing need for accessible living options in our county.
Jenkins has also been an advocate for women’s rights, particularly in protecting reproductive choices. Under his leadership, crime reduction has also been a priority, with strategies implemented to enhance community safety and trust in law enforcement.
Jenkins has emphasized the importance of restoring the county’s infrastructure, recognizing that well-maintained roads, bridges, and public facilities are essential for economic growth and public safety.
As a long-time resident of Westchester County, Jenkins has spent 43 years in the community he now leads and is a New York native, having grown up in New York City as a son to an NYPD officer and a nurse. His historic appointment as Westchester’s first-ever Black County Executive is the first of many historic and necessary changes Jenkins aims to continue to make as our County Executive.
In a statement, Jenkins shared, “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 the principles we all share – 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.”
Jenkins has a strong background in telecommunications and technology, having worked at well-known companies like Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, Verizon, NYNEX, and Seer Technologies. Jenkins also owns and brokers at ERA Gem Realty, giving him valuable knowledge of the real estate market.
Jenkins actively engages in public service by serving on various boards, including the Greyston Foundation, United Way, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers, and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He has also been the President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program, showing his commitment to community empowerment and social justice.
As a member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held several leadership positions. He has been 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, where he was also part of the Executive Committee.
At the swearing-in ceremony, County Executive Jenkins closed out his remarks with a hopeful statement to all residents of Westchester, “Together, we’re going to continue to move this county forward, making it a place where opportunity is abundant, communities are strong, and every resident can thrive.”
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