ALLENTOWN, PA – January 14, 2026 – Today, Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel unveiled his cabinet appointments, marking a decisive step in launching a bold and forward-thinking new administration. The incoming leadership team will be charged with advancing the County Executive’s transformative policy agenda and delivering results for residents across Lehigh County.
“I set out to build a cabinet that reflects both excellence and purpose. I chose leaders who are deeply respected in their fields, rooted in our community, and ready to help drive meaningful change,” said Siegel. “This is an accomplished, mission-driven team that shares my vision for a stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive Lehigh County. Together, we are ready to move the county forward.”
The following appointments will be presented at Wednesday nights’ commissioner meeting:
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION– JESSICA BARAKET
Jessica has served as the Deputy Finance Director for the City of Allentown since 2021. She holds a master’s degree in School Business Leadership from Wilkes University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Millersville University.
DIRECTOR OF CORRECTIONS– KYLE RUSSELL
Kyle has served as the Warden of the Lehigh County Jail since 2019 and he holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Shippensburg University.
DIRECTOR OF GENERAL SERVICES–ANDREW ELLIOTT
Andrew has served as the Deputy Director of Public Works for Northampton County since 2020 and previously served as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Fiscal Affairs from 2018 to 2020. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University.
DIRECTOR OF FISCAL– BETHANY DIMATTEO
Bethany DiMatteo has been the Treasury Manager for the county since 2022 and previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for Community Action of the Lehigh Valley before joining the county. She holds Bachelor’s degrees from Penn State and Walden University in addition to a master’s degree in Business Administration from DeSales University.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT– SAMANTHA PEARSON
Sam is joining Lehigh County after her experience as the Director of Development of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and previously served as the Chief of Staff to State Representative Mary Issacson. She earned her Bachelors Degree from Penn State and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration/ Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Drexel University.
SOLICITOR– SAM COHEN
Sam is a partner at Gross McGinley, LLP and previously served Lehigh County in the role of assistant solicitor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Colgate University and received his Juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School.
“I have assembled a dynamic and highly skilled team united by a shared commitment to making Lehigh County the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” continued Siegel. “Together, we are focused on delivering real progress and building a shared future for #OneLehigh where opportunity is expanded, every resident matters, and no one is left behind. I am energized by the work ahead and confident in what this team will accomplish for our community.”
Information provided to TVL by:
Hillary Kleinz Chief of Staff Lehigh County
