Democrat Josh Maxwell Elected Chairman Of Chesco Commissioners

WEST CHESTER, PA – Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, a Democrat, was elected Monday to serve as chairman by the board of commissioners.

The three-member board oversees a $683 million budget including the county prison, governmental offices, the county nursing home, parks, and other county facilities.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity over the next few years to work alongside terrific county employees in the interest of improving the lives of our entire community,” said Maxwell, who is serving a second term.

“We get four years to do everything we can to make their lives better,” Maxwell continued. “It’s a great mission, and I’m excited for this journey. There isn’t anything I’d rather be doing.”

Maxwell was also elected to chair the county prison board and election board.

The commissioners serve four-year terms and earn an annual salary of $85,389. As chair, Maxwell earns $86,389.

Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, a Democrat, was elected vice chair of the board. She previously served as chair. Commissioner Eric Roe, a Republican and former state house representative, previously worked for Commissioner Michele Kichline, who did not seek re-election.

Maxwell, 40, graduated from West Chester University and has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

He previously served as mayor of Downingtown, overseeing economic improvements, including an Amtrak/SEPTA train station.

Maxwell was elected county commissioner in 2019, taking office in 2020.

As commissioner, Maxwell launched a partnership to End Homelessness and oversaw a committee to review proposals from applications for $102 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan.

When serving as vice president, Maxwell said his priorities included the county’s first employee group on Equity Diversion and Inclusion; a groundbreaking, community-centered budgeting process; creating a mental health unit, and numerous climate change and open space initiatives.