YOUR CHESTER COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS
COMMISSIONERS
Chester County is governed by a three-member, full-time Board of Commissioners (headed by a Chair), who serve four-year terms. The minority party is guaranteed one seat. The Commissioners are responsible for the management of the fiscal and administrative functions of the county.
| Office | Next Election | Representative | Address/Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Commissioner Salary – $86,389.43 Chairperson | 2023 | Marian D Moskowitz (D) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6100 |
| County Commissioner Salary – $85,839.43 | 2023 | Josh Maxwell (D) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6100 |
| County Commissioner Salary – $85,389.43 | 2023 | Michelle H Kichline (R) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6100 |
ROW OFFICES
These elected positions manage county courthouse/administrative functions for Chester County. They are known as Row Offices because, at one time, their offices were located “in a row” along the court house walls. All are elected for four-year terms. With the exception of the District Attorney, the only qualifications for office are that a candidate be at least 18 years of age and have been a county resident for one year. Below the following table is a description of the duties and services performed by each of the Row Offices
| Office | Next Election | Representative | Address/Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts Salary – $74,320.38 | 2025 | Yolanda Van de Krol (D) | 201 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6135 |
| Controller Salary – $74,320.38 | 2025 | Margaret Reif (D) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6155 |
| Coroner Salary – $74,320.38 | 2025 | Sophia Garcia Jackson (D) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6165 |
| County Sheriff Salary – $74,320.38 | 2023 | Fredda Maddox (D) | 201 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6850 |
| District Attorney Salary – $191,926 | 2023 | Deb Ryan (D) | 201 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6801 |
| Prothonotary Salary – $74,320.38 | 2023 | Debbie Bookman (D) | 201 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6300 |
| Recorder of Deeds Salary – $74,320.38 | 2023 | Chris Pielli (D) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6330 |
| Register of Wills Orphan Court Salary – $76,320.38 | 2023 | Michelle Vaughn (D) | 201 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6300 |
| Treasurer Salary – $74,320.38 | 2025 | Patricia Maisano (D) | 313 West Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-6370 |
The Clerk of Courts acts as the chief clerk and record keeper for the criminal division of the Court of Common Pleas. The office, with about 25 people, is responsible for maintaining records of all criminal cases, posting bail docketing all criminal records, assessing costs and fines for criminal cases, collecting monies on summary appeal cases, preparing forms for PennDot relating to motor vehicle offenses and filing forms related to the transfer of roads to a municipality.
The Controller is the chief financial officer of the county and is responsible for overseeing the county’s fiscal affairs. The Controller’s office of some 34 employees maintains accounting reocrds and is responsible for the internal audit function which assesses the adequacy of controls and good business practices. The Controller also prepares the county’s annual financial report and all related public documents.
The Coroner investiages the cause and manner of death of anyone whose death is sudden, accidental, violent or of a suspicious nature.
The County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county courts. The Sheriff’s Department has about 60 employees and is responsible for the transportation of prisoners to and from the court, maintaining security at the court house, and serving all of the civil complaints filed by the county courts.
The District Attorney has a statutory responsibility to prosecute criminal offenses. The department’s attorneys provide legal representation for the Commonwealth at all hearings in criminal matters including appeals, probation and parole violation hearings. The office, of approximately 50 employees, also provides advice to police and county department in matters related to criminal investigations and prosecutions.
The Prothonotary is the legal custodian of all civil records filed with the Court of Common Pleas. The office has about 25 employees who have the responsibility for maintaining the accuracy and security of papers filed in the office and for making them available to the public. They are also responsible for processing U.S. passports.
The Recorder of Deeds records, maintains and preserves permanent legal documents such as deeds and mortgages and makes them available for public access. The office has about 25 employees and also serves as the collection agent of the realty transfer tax.
The Register of Wills has jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the appointment of personal representatives and is also the agent for collection of state inheritance and estate taxes. The office also acts as Clerk of the Orphans’ Court which is the official keeper of court records having to do with adoptions, guardianship of minors and incapacitated persons, and issuance of marriage licenses. The combined offices have about 20 employees.
The Treasurer collects and deposits all monies that come into the county, including real estate taxes. The office employs about 20 people and also issues dog, hunting, fishing boat and pistol licenses as well as permits for bingo and small games of chance.