NORRISTOWN – Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. has been selected to join an organization made up of Democratic elected officials across the country.
Lawrence, along with 18 other state and local representatives, were appointed to this year’s The NewDEAL class, which stands for Developing Exceptional American Leaders.
“We are in a unique moment for state and local leaders as we must find solutions for the urgent challenges created by COVID-19 while not losing focus on longer-term issues that will also affect Montgomery’s economic security for decades to come,” Lawrence said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing lessons with and learning from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance, and I am excited to be part of NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunities for Americans in communities nationwide.”
The organization has 178 members from 47 states striving to execute “pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities,” according to a spokesperson from the national organization. There’ve been more than 1,650 nominations over the last 10 years.
“Our mission is to bring together leaders focused on expanding opportunity and to help them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable,” read a post on the organization’s website. “We do this by connecting the NewDEAL Leaders with each other to exchange ideas, and connecting them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.
The national organization spotlighted Lawrence’s efforts working on several local initiatives including infrastructure, climate change, elections, and COVID-19 pandemic response efforts.
“I’m honored to be selected to join this national network of state and local leaders,” Lawrence tweeted Thursday. “I’m looking forward to the exchange of ideas.”
Lawrence’s colleague Valerie Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, also congratulated him, praising the recent appointment.
“Over the last four years, I’ve had the joy of getting to work side by side with [Ken Lawrence Jr.] and to see the commitment, caring and tireless work he brings to our community each day,” Arkoosh tweeted Thursday. “Congratulations on the well deserved honor, friend!”
Along with Lawrence, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti also represented Pennsylvania.
For more information about the NewDEAL organization, visit www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.
