Neil Makhija Named New Chair Of Montgomery Co. Board Of Commissioners

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County government has shuffled its leadership in the new year, as Jamila Winder has stepped down as chair and Neil Makhija has been elected the new chair.

The change of roles between the board's two Democrats was a mutual decision, the pair said, aimed at bringing a new perspective to the board.

"This decision to share leadership with Commissioner Makhija is a choice I made with intention and conviction," Winder said in a statement. "It reflects not only the value of unique perspectives and lived experiences in leadership, but also my strong belief in the power of teamwork and shared responsibility."

Winder served in the position for one year, taking over in Jan. 2024 for longtime commissioner Ken Lawrence Jr., who had resigned.

Makhija, who is the first Asian American County Commissioner in Pennsylvania's history across all 67 counties, steps in to the position after building something of a national profile during his first year in office. As the county's elections chief he was an outspoken champion of the county's electoral process, and helped implement various new policies and procedures to improve voter engagement and turnout. He was profiled in a New York Times special on combating lies on voter fraud.

Makhija, Winder, and Republican Tom DiBello have presided over a markedly different board since they took office as a trio for the first time a year ago. After years of acrimony between Republican commissioner Joe Gale and Democrats Lawrence and Val Arkoosh, the new board appears to have made a concerted effort of unity and cooperation where possible.

DiBello thanked Winder for her service as chair and expressed gratitude for how she treated county employees, saying it "demonstrated good leadership."

"We had a successful first year together and the list of accomplishments is incredible," DiBello said of his new team. "We may not always agree, but we are dedicated to working together for the 865,000 residents of Montgomery County."

At the county's first board meeting of 2025, Makhija identified his priorities as chair as improving government efficiency, civil protections, and sustainable infrastructure.