Tara Zrinski was sworn in as County Executive on January 5, 2026, becoming the first woman to hold this position. This creates a vacancy in the Controller's Office.
Tara Zrinski resigned as Controller to become County Executive. County Council must appoint a replacement per Home Rule Charter. Monitor for appointment announcement.
Change County Executive from Lamont G. McClure to Tara Zrinski in centralized tag file.
Stephen Barron stepped down October 2025. Confirm who replaced him as Director (Anthony Morris is Revenue Manager).
| Office | Current Data | Verified Data | Status | Source |
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| Controller | Tara Zrinski | Tara Zrinski VACANT (Acting TBD) | CRITICAL | Morning Call (Jan 5, 2026) WFMZ (Jan 2026) |
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Tara Zrinski resigned as Controller to become County Executive on Jan 5, 2026. Per Home Rule Charter, County Council must appoint a replacement within 30 days or the matter goes to court. Deputy Controller Mark Aurand was nominated as Director of Administration by Zrinski, creating additional vacancy.
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| Sheriff | Christopher Zieger | Christopher Zieger | VERIFIED | Morning Call (Jan 16, 2026) LehighValleyNews |
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Reappointed by County Executive Zrinski on Jan 16, 2026. Originally appointed June 2025 following retirement of Richard Johnston. 30+ years law enforcement experience. Salary: $111,868.
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| District Attorney | Stephen G. Baratta | Stephen G. Baratta | VERIFIED | NorCo Official Site Campaign Site |
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In office since Jan 2, 2024. Former President Judge (25 years on bench). Created Drug Court and Mental Health Court. Office organized into specialized prosecution units.
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| Prothonotary | Holly Ruggiero | Holly Ruggiero | VERIFIED | NorCo Official Site PA Prothonotary Assoc. |
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In office since 2001. Northampton is the only PA county that appoints (not elects) the Prothonotary via career service process. Handles Civil Division, PFA cases, passport applications.
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| Clerk of Courts | Leigh Ann Fisher | Leigh Ann Fisher | VERIFIED | Court Contacts PA Courts |
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In office since Feb 2007. Career service appointment (not elected). Manages Criminal Division records. Previously worked in office since 1991.
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| Register of Wills | Patricia J. Manento | Patricia J. Manento | VERIFIED | NorCo Official Site PA Register of Wills Assoc. |
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Also serves as Clerk of Orphans' Court. Confirmation hearing scheduled Jan 22, 2026 for estate accounts. Office handles probate, inheritance tax, marriage licenses.
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| Recorder of Deeds | Dorothy Edelman | Dorothy Edelman | VERIFIED | NorCo Official Site PA Recorders Assoc. |
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Office at 669 Washington St, Easton. Responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, real estate documents. Collects transfer taxes.
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| Coroner | Zachary Lysek | Zachary Lysek | VERIFIED | WDIY (Jan 20, 2026) PA Coroners Assoc. |
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In office since 1992 - over 30 years. Reappointed in Zrinski cabinet. Board Member At Large for Region 4, PA State Coroners' Association. Class 3 county coroner.
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| Fiscal Affairs (Revenue) | Anthony Morris | Anthony Morris (Revenue Mgr) | CONFIRM | NorCo Fiscal Contacts WFMZ (Oct 2025) |
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Anthony Morris is Revenue Manager and Tax Claim Director (since 2023). Former Director Stephen Barron stepped down Oct 3, 2025 after 10 years as Controller + fiscal director. Need to confirm who was appointed as new Director of Fiscal Affairs.
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| Position | Current Data | Verified Data | Status | Source |
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| County Executive | Lamont G. McClure | Lamont G. McClure Tara Zrinski | UPDATED | Morning Call (Jan 5, 2026) LehighValleyNews |
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Tara Zrinski sworn in Jan 5, 2026 as first female County Executive. Won Nov 2025 election with 19-point margin over Tom Giovanni (40% turnout). McClure served 8 years, now running for PA-7 Congressional seat.
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| Council President | -- | Ken Kraft | UPDATED | LehighValleyNews (Jan 2026) |
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Ken Kraft elected Council President for second time in Jan 2026. New council members sworn in: David Holland, Jason B. Boulette, Theresa Fadem, Nadeem Qayyum, plus incumbent Lori Vargo Heffner.
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| Metric | Current Data | Verified Data | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Budget | $503M | $503M | VERIFIED |
| Tax Rate | 10.8 mils | 10.8 mils (7 years no increase) | VERIFIED |
| Workforce | 2,847 employees | 2,847 employees | VERIFIED |
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