Ken Lawrence Nominated For Montgomery County Commissioner's Seat

The Montgomery County Democratic Party has named their nominee to replace outgoing county commissioner Josh Shapiro, officials confirmed. They have put up Plymouth Meeting resident Ken Lawrence Jr., who currently serves as the Vice President of Alumni Relations at Temple University.

With Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro winning his bid for the Pennsylvania Attorney General in November, his seat on the board of commissioners had become vacant. Shapiro resigned his role on the board effective Jan. 16.

The announcement of the nomination, made by Commissioner Valerie Arkoosh, now must be approved by 22 county judges. Candidates will be interviewed on Jan. 22.

According to Philly.com, Lawrence, 45, would become the county's first African American commissioner.

If approved, Lawrence would serve the remainder of Shapiro's term, which will expire in three years as Shapiro was reelected to the board in 2015.

Before taking on the role at Temple, Lawrence founded Public Affairs Strategies, which helmed communications projects for both corporations and nonprofits.

He graduated from Temple with a bachelor's in political science and earned his Masters in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Individuals still may submit applications to be considered. Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter including contact information to Michael R. Kehs, Esq., Court Administrator, PO Box 311, Courthouse, Norristown PA 19404. Resumes and cover letters should be delivered on or before Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Image courtesy Temple University.