David Byerma
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe announced Tuesday a restructuring of the county’s top administrative positions, naming David Byerman as Chief Executive Officer for the County, and Erik Walschburger as Chief Operating Officer.
“As we searched for a new county administrator, we saw this as a chance to take a closer look at our leadership structure and make sure it aligns with Chester County’s growth, both now and in the future,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Josh Maxwell.
“That’s why I’m thrilled we are bringing David Byerman on as the County’s first CEO and Erik Walschburger as COO: We get two excellent, experienced leaders working together in an optimal new structure. David will focus on shaping our strategic vision and overall leadership, while Erik will concentrate on operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly day to day.”
Byerman is a nationally-recognized leader in government administration with a distinguished career managing complex organizations, fostering innovation, and advancing public services. He most recently served for a number of years as a management consultant, and primarily among his engagements led a $1.8 million cooperative agreement between a multinational association of state and local regulators (the Council on Licensing, Enforcement, and Regulation) and the federal government.
Previously, Byerman was Director of the Legislative Research Commission, serving as chief executive of the Kentucky Legislature’s large and centralized staff, with nearly 600 employees and a $70.4 million annual budget. From 2010 to 2015, Byerman was elected to two terms as Secretary of the Senate for the Nevada Senate, where he oversaw a $21.5 million budget and a staff of 90. In both roles, he received national recognition for his efforts to make government more efficient, more accessible, and more engaging with constituents. He holds B.A. Degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Redlands, and earned a Master of Governmental Administration and was a Fels Scholar at the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
“I am honored to join Chester County as its first CEO and to work alongside the dedicated team that already makes this county a Commonwealth leader in service delivery and quality of life. I am excited to build upon a strong foundation, bringing my experience and passion for public service to bolster the county’s operations and to best meet the challenges of the future,” Byerman said.
Byerman, who previously lived in Chester County in the 1990s, will be relocating back to the county from his current home in Kentucky, and starts as Chief Executive Officer on December 9.
Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz said, “We are excited to welcome David in this new role and are confident in the leadership, innovation and experience he will bring to Chester County Government. His ‘outside’ perspective will complement Erik Walschburger’s knowledge and experience of the day-to-day running of our County departments and the delivery of programs and services to our citizens.
“This partnership is designed to position Chester County for long-term success as we continue to grow and serve our community.”
Erik Walschburger
Erik Walschburger’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer follows seven months as Acting County Administrator, preceded by two years as Deputy County Administrator. In these roles, Walschburger provided administrative coordination, leadership, counsel and management support to the County Commissioners, the County Administrator and department leaders. He currently serves as a board member of the Chester Water Authority, and is a graduate of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Excellence in County Government program.
Prior to his move to county administration, Erik served in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, most recently as Chief Deputy District Attorney, where he prosecuted criminal defendants, approved appropriate cases for diversionary programs, wrote grants and defended convictions on appeal. He was named Chester County Prosecutor of the Year in 2018.
“Erik Walschburger has distinguished himself throughout his career with Chester County, and this promotion to Chief Operating Officer is well-deserved,” said Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe.
“When he stepped into the role of Acting County Administrator, Erik provided steady and capable leadership during a transitional period. We are grateful for his dedication and leadership over the past seven months and look forward to his contributions in this new capacity.”
Commenting on the new enhanced administrative structure, Erik Walschburger said, “Chester County is often recognized for its award-winning programs and services, and for its initiative in creating county government and court programs that are considered worthy pilot projects for other counties to review and replicate across both the Commonwealth and the nation. Maintaining that innovation and transparency is critical alongside maintaining our high operational standards, so that we not only meet the needs of our current and growing population, but we are able to be strategic in providing for future needs. I am pleased to be part of this strengthened focus.”
