Blue Bell, PA: In a landmark event at Montgomery County Community College’s Health Science Center Main Gym, Jamila H. Winder, Neil Makhija, and Thomas DiBello were sworn in as Montgomery County Commissioners. The ceremony, held on January 3, also witnessed the inauguration of nine Row Officers, marking a significant moment in the county’s history.
Jamila H. Winder, the first African American woman to chair the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the importance of a leadership that mirrors the county’s diverse experiences and backgrounds. Winder, committed to creating sustainable solutions, expressed her dedication to representing all residents, especially the vulnerable.
Neil Makhija, making history as the first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) to join the Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania, was also appointed Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Makhija pledged to protect every vote and uphold the county’s democratic foundations.
Thomas DiBello expressed his eagerness to work with his fellow Commissioners to advance the county’s interests, focusing on meeting residents and learning from the 2,800+ county employees.
The ceremony, attended by over 1,000 people, also celebrated the historic firsts of Dr. Janine Darby and Tina Lawson, Esq., as the first Black women to serve as Coroner and Register of Wills, respectively. Other officials sworn in included Lori Schrieber, Karen Sanchez, Kevin Steele, Noah Marlier, Jeanne Sorg, Sean Kilkenny, and Jason Salus.
This event marks a new chapter in Montgomery County’s governance, reflecting a significant shift towards a more diverse and representative leadership.
