Gov Business Review Magazine

Gov Business Review: Awards Ranking

Govt Business Review is honored to present the Top 10 County Executives - 2026, recognizing forward-thinking leaders who are driving efficient, transparent, and innovative county governance. These managers excel in public administration, fiscal management, and community engagement—advancing sustainable growth, operational excellence, and quality of life for the residents they serve.    

Top 10 County Executives - 2026

County Executive Officer, Kings County, CA

Kyria Martinez is a public sector leader whose career has taken her through analytical, financial and executive leadership roles in local government. As an executive officer at Kings County, she works across departments and with the Board of Supervisors to coordinate county operations and address organization-wide priorities.

County Executive, Fairfax County Government

Bryan Hill is the County Executive of Fairfax County, Virginia, with a career spanning local government leadership and public administration. Since 2018, he has worked on countywide priorities, drawing on earlier administrative roles in James City County and Beaufort County and academic training in public administration and finance.

County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Steuart Pittman heads Anne Arundel County Government, guiding local administration and public initiatives. Based in Annapolis, he brings executive leadership to county governance, working within the public sector to oversee government priorities and serve the needs of local communities.

Howard County Executive, Howard County Gover

Calvin Ball guides Howard County Government in Maryland, advancing policies aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. His administration prioritizes education and public safety alongside economic opportunity. He also champions environmental protection, responsible budgeting and community partnerships to promote inclusive regional growth.

County Executive, Cecil County Government

Adam Streight heads Cecil County Government in Maryland, bringing more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to county administration. His career includes crisis negotiation and police supervision, supported by specialized training in criminal justice and executive leadership within public safety.

Onondaga County Executive, Onondaga County

Ryan McMahon is Onondaga County Executive in New York, a position he has held since 2018. His professional background includes business ownership, complemented by studies in political science and government at Le Moyne College, providing an academic foundation for his public sector career.

County Executive, Outagamie County

Thomas Nelson directs county government operations in Outagamie County, drawing on more than 15 years in the executive role. His public service background includes leadership in the Wisconsin State Assembly, complemented by expertise in political science and graduate training in public administration.

Putnam County Executive, Putnam County Government

Kevin Byrne heads Putnam County Government in New York, overseeing county operations and budgetary decisions. His career includes legislative service, healthcare administration and community leadership. He brings experience in transportation policy, public finance and infrastructure planning to regional governance and public program development.

County Executive, St. Louis County

Sam Page leads St. Louis County Government in Missouri, drawing on experience in local and state government alongside a medical career in anesthesiology and pain management. His background combines public administration, legislative service and clinical practice, bringing a healthcare perspective to county leadership.

Westchester County Executive, Westchester County

Ken Jenkins leads Westchester County, overseeing local government priorities and public services. His background spans legislative leadership, telecommunications and community advocacy, with extensive involvement in affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure renewal and policies supporting families and regional development.