Marty Nothstein of Lowhill Township was elected to serve as chair of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners and Amanda Holt of Upper Macungie Township to chosen to serve as vice chairperson at the board’s Jan. 3 meeting.

Nothstein replaces Commissioner Brad Osborne. Holt is taking over for Michael Schware.

Nothstein, in a Jan. 6 email to The Press, said he is excited to serve as chair and to lead the nine member board.

“I am honored to be voted in as chair of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners,” he said. “I look forward to serving the citizens of our great county and continuing the hard work and efforts the board has achieved to date.”

Holt commented on her new position.

“It is an honor to have been selected by my peers,” Holt said. “I look forward to working with the chair to provide leadership to our board this coming year.”

Osborne reflected on his time as chair, while noting progress made.

“I am pleased to have served as chairman for the last two years,” Osborne told The Press.

“In that time, we’ve reduced taxes twice and passed several significant pieces of legislation unanimously.

“These accomplishments are a testament to the board’s conviction to serve our residents in a bipartisan fashion.

“People want their government to work for them, and we delivered.

“Marty [Nothstein] will prove to be a strong and effective leader, and continue the success we’ve had in the last several years.”

Nothstein praised Osborne for serving as chair.

“Commissioner Osborne has done a fantastic job leading our board the last two years,” he said. “His professionalism and attention to detail is second to none.”

Nothstein also said he is looking forward to working with county Executive Tom Muller in 2017.

Commissioners also set the board’s 2017 meeting schedule.

The board meets 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the public hearing room of the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. 7th St., Allentown.