Ryan Costello was re-appointed to serve as chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, the three-member governing body of the county.  He was re-elected to the position for a second one-year term at the board’s reorganization meeting by his fellow commissioners, Republican Terence Farrell and Democrat Kathi Cozzone.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for re-appointing me as Chairman of the Board for 2014,” said Costello. “Over the past three years we have worked collaboratively, governed effectively, and provided an excellent level of services and programs for the taxpayers and families of Chester County.”

Under Costello’s leadership as Chairman in 2013, the Board of Commissioners approved a revised five-year strategic plan for Chester County that sets a range of priorities and goals in the areas of health, environment, public safety, the county economy, transportation, and future growth. Elements of the strategic plan include maintaining Chester County’s “healthiest county” status; improving water quality and protecting open space; revitalization of urban cores; improving the county’s transportation infrastructure to address traffic and congestion; and promoting job creation, tourism and the continued growth of agriculture sector.  

In addition to his position as Chairman of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, Costello serves in leadership positions for a number of state and regional organizations including the Chester County Industrial Development Authority, the Chester County Economic Development Council, the Phoenixville Hospital Board of Trustees and the West Chester Business Improvement District Board of Directors. Prior to his election as Commissioner, Costello served as the Chester County Recorder of Deeds and Chair of the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors.  

A graduate of Ursinus College and the Villanova School of Law, Costello has been a practicing attorney since 2002 with the Phoenixville firm of O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.  Ryan, his wife Christine, and their newborn son reside in West Chester.