Jenkins Appointed County Boss to Replace Latimer
On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted unanimously to appoint Deputy County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins Westchester County Executive until a special election, which the Board has set for February 11, 2025. He was later sworn into office as Westchester County’s 10th County Executive in a ceremony was presided over by Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni. His oath was administered by New York State Supreme Court Justice Anne E. Minihan, 9th Judicial District. Jenkins, 63, is the first African-American to county executive, as he was the first in the deputy position.
Jenkins succeeds Acting County Executive Richard G. Wishnie, who was designated to the transitional role for four days by Board Chairman Vedat Gashi immediately after Latimer officially stepped down on January 2, 2025. Observers expect Jenkins to easily win the upcoming special election.
“Having worked alongside George Latimer for the last seven years, Ken Jenkins is ready on Day 1 to be County Executive,” said County Legislator, District 7 and Rye resident Catherine Parker. “Westchester is lucky to have such a knowledgeable and capable person to lead us.”
“Having served as Deputy County Executive with George Latimer since 2018, I have seen firsthand what it takes to lead this County with integrity and vision,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, a long time Yonkers resident. “Westchester is more than just where I serve—it’s my home. It’s where I have lived, raised my family with my wife Deborah, and dedicated my career to public service. I vow to always put our residents first, ensuring that our County remains on solid fiscal footing while maintaining vital services and keeping taxes low. Together, we will continue to move Westchester forward, prioritizing the needs of our community and building a brighter future for all.”
About Jenkins
Jenkins held a career in telecommunications and technology, with roles at companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. He was also an owner and broker during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty. Jenkins’ 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.
