The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI) will present Bobby Kagel, County Administrator for Chester County, with the J. Larry Boling Award for Excellence in Local Government at the 2024 State of the County, presented by Aqua America and Lamb McErlane.  

This award was established by the Chamber in cooperation with former State Senator Earl M. Baker to honor the legacy of Larry Boling, a person who typified the meaning of a dedicated public servant who excelled in his accomplishments on behalf of the public. It honors a professional in the local government public sector of Chester County who has established excellence in their jurisdiction in the administration of government through economy, efficiency, introduction of sound business practices, and projects or initiatives that demonstrate innovation. Recipients have been honored since 1995 and include various township officials, county administrators, and educators.  

In his role, Kagel oversees programmatic, financial, and administrative functions of various departments within County Commissioners’ jurisdiction. He provides recommendations for the Commissioners’ decision-making processes and directs internal and external communication strategies for the County. Additionally, he fulfills the Chief Clerk role for both the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Elections. Kagel also manages the Chester County Employees’ Retirement Fund.  

Kagel also supervised the Public Health Department and Department of Emergency Services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has secured approval of five budgets without tax increases, maintained -Triple-A bond rating from three major credit rating agencies, and facilitated the adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan and County strategic plan. 

He is involved with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry Government Affairs Committee, a member of Chester County Economic Development Council Board, and a member of County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s Agriculture, Education, and Emergency Management & Veterans Affairs Committees. He has also served as an adjunct instructor in Emergency Management and continues to volunteer with his local firehouse.  

“With his 22 years of public service, Bobby Kagel has contributed substantially to the quality of life we enjoy in Chester County. Bobby spent the last five years as County Administrator, which involves every element of County Government. His five County budgets with no tax increase benefitted every household in our community. Prior to the Commissioner’s Office, Bobby distinguished himself in the Department of Emergency Services, for which he was the Director for four years. Bobby has touched every household and every business in Chester County, for which we are grateful,” said Jim McErlane, chair of the Chamber’s Boling Committee for 2024.  

CCCBI’s Annual State of the County will be held on Friday, March 22 from 8 AM – 10 AM at Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester. Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe will answer questions on various policy and community topics related to Chester County. Guests will also enjoy networking opportunities and a seated breakfast.  

The Chamber would like to thank Aqua America and Lamb McErlane for their generous presenting sponsorships of this event. Other sponsors, at the time of print, include: Bentley Systems, Brumbaugh Wealth Management, Comcast, DFT, Inc., Fulton Bank, Hankin Group, Independence Blue Cross, M&T Bank, Pennsylvania American Water, S&T Bank, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, Stephano Slack LLC, and West Chester University. 

If you’re interested in purchasing a sponsorship, table, or tickets, please email Julie at julie@chescochamber.org or call 610-725-9100. 

Learn more at Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.