Committed to public service and the principles of democracy, safety, education, technology, and community engagement, Westchester County is led by County Executive Ken Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Jenkins is the first Black County Executive in Westchester history.
Before this historic role, Jenkins served as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer, where he played a key role in advancing countywide initiatives. For 18 years prior, he was a distinguished member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, serving four years as Chairman, championing policies that shaped the region’s growth and inclusivity.
Jenkins has worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, secure tax breaks for veterans, restore aging infrastructure and protect the environment. Ever committed to public service, Jenkins has championed the needs of middle-class families, earning a reputation as a fierce advocate for his constituents through his relentless dedication.
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. He also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, 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.
The proud son of a New York City police officer and a nurse, Jenkins is a former Boy Scout and Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 32. He is an alumnus of Fordham Preparatory School and Iona University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems. He and his wife, Deborah Hudson-Jenkins, have lived in Yonkers since their marriage in 1982 and are the proud parents of three adult children: Alana, Jamal and Terrell. Jenkins is also soon to be a first-time grandfather.