'Up for the task': Zrinski sworn in as first female Northampton County executive

EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County on Monday swore in Democrat Tara Zrinski as county executive, the first woman to serve in the position.

Zrinski won the November election with a 19 percentage-point victory over Republican Tom Giovanni, with about 40% of voters casting a ballot — an unusually higher turnout during a non-presidential election.

Shortly after being sworn in by Northampton County Judge Brian J. Panella, Zrinski spoke about driving with her son last week and witnessing the wolf moon, which made her reflect on “not just a new year, but a new chapter” in her life.

Stating the work will require “more than policies,” Zrinski emphasized working together and striving toward purpose over power.

“We will rise together as a county government to build, to heal and to leave this place stronger than we found it,” said Zrinski, 50, of Bethlehem.

Later, she added: “Too often, politics feels defensive and reactive… But in both life and government, real leadership is honesty, accountability and teamwork.”

The new county executive said there are many challenges ahead, but humility and courage would help her and her team address those issues.

“We have to meet today's needs without quietly shifting costs and risks onto future councils, executives or taxpayers," she said.

"Responsible stewardship begins with candor and accountability."

'The human challenge'

Second, Zarinaki said, is "the human challenge."

"County workers, service providers, first responders, they're all facing increasing demands in housing, human services and public safety," she said.

"Many are already stretched way too thin, but they are dedicated, innovative and ready for leadership that trust their expertise.

"My goal is to give them the space and support to solve problems, not just manage crises.

Third, she said, is "restoring trust."

"Some see government as distant or unresponsive, and we will change that," she said.

She said this Friday's inaugural executive summit at Northampton Community College "will mark that beginning."

"We'll bring together community leaders, department directors and residents with lived experience to build our first 100-day roadmap," she said.

"Identifying urgent problems, mapping existing solutions and launching quick wins that make county government run more smoothly and efficiently.”

'What we can do together'

Zrinski said the past few years have shaped her, with major events such as the death of her mother reminding her of an important lesson.

“Those experiences remind me that compassion is not passive," she said. "It's a discipline. It's about choosing clarity and kindness even when it's hard.”

She stressed that compassion is a necessity for good governance.

Speaking to her colleagues on county council, Zrinski emphasized, “Let's make decisions in the interest of our residents, guided by conscience, not by party lines."

"And let's make our dialog constructive, even when it's tough," she said. "Together, we can build a government that listens before it acts, and supports the people who make it work, and that governs by substance.”

Zrinski thanked departing County Executive Lamont McClure, her team, and family and friends for support.

“Thank you all for believing in me, and not just me, but what we can do together,” Zrinski said.

Challenges in 2026

In an interview before the ceremony, Zrinski said she intends to focus on spending taxpayers’ money responsibly, while also being good stewards to employees, in addition to keeping Gracedale, the county-run nursing home, county owned and operated.

Furthermore, open space preservation, farmland preservation, environmental issues, economic development and public safety will be top concerns, Zrinski said.

One challenge she said she anticipates for 2026 is finding a way to fund the employee health care plan, retiree health care plan and the retirement plan, “mainly because we haven’t funded it since September.”

“So in 2026, we’ll really be looking deep at the budget, trying to figure out where we can get funds from becoming more efficient, and really looking to see how we can move that towards 2027,” she said.

Using philanthropic means to help offset some costs for Gracedale also will be a top focal point, Zrinski said, to help erase the uncertainty of funding for the center.

Zrinski said she believes her team is more than up for those tasks. She said it is important to tap people who are knowledgeable in their fields to govern effectively, and not just from the top down.

“I'm very proud to be the first woman who is the county executive," Zrinski said. "It is a monumental weight to be the first in anything, because you have something to prove, obviously.

“And I know that I am up for the task and I will not let them down.”