2010 News

April 21, 2010

Langhorne’s Brian Hessenthaler Named COO
Lynn Bush Becomes Chief Clerk

Since September 2009, Brian Hessenthaler, CPA and Lynn Bush, AICP have served as the county’s acting chief operating officer and chief clerk, respectively. With unanimous support at their second meeting of the month, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, Jim Cawley and Diane Ellis-Marseglia officially appointed Hessenthaler and Bush, naming the top two administrators for the county.

“Since assuming acting roles in these capacities during September 2009, Brian and Lynn have done an exemplary job of keeping Bucks County moving forward along a path of progress, fiscal stability and sound management,” noted Commissioner Martin.

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration, Hessenthaler joined the county in 2004 as the director of finance. He was given the additional responsibility of finance and administration in September 2008. Prior to joining the county, the new COO was vice president and chief financial officer at Better Materials Corporation.

Since his arrival to Bucks, Hessenthaler led efforts that have earned Bucks County the highest credit rating in its history.

“I would like to thank the commissioners for placing their faith in my abilities,” Hessenthaler noted. “It continues to be my honor to serve the taxpayers of this extraordinary county.”  The county will soon begin a search for Hessenthaler’s replacement as finance and administration director.

Hessenthaler also expressed thanks to Lynn Bush who has “so professionally” served beside him as acting chief clerk since the fall.   

“Commissioner Cawley put it best several months ago when he referred to Lynn Bush as ‘the best utility player we have,’ ” Martin stated. Bush, who recently celebrated 10 years with Bucks County, will continue to head up the planning commission as executive director, along with the added duty of chief clerk.  Over the last decade, Bush has taken on several vital projects such as the Delaware River Waterfront Revitalization Plan, Delaware River Flood Task Force, and the Economic Development Advisory Board.

“Brian Hessenthaler and Lynn Bush make a tremendously knowledgeable, dedicated and talented administrative team, and it is with absolute respect for them both that I support this pair of individuals to help lead our county forward,” noted Commissioner Cawley.

Commissioner Marseglia added, “I am excited and hopeful, and believe we made the right choice. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Brian and Lynn, who have always treated me fairly, worked very hard, and put the taxpayers first.”

Both Hessenthaler and Bush are active members of their communities. Hessenthaler serves as a member of the Langhorne Athletic Association board of directors, and president of the Langhorne Athletic Association-Basketball. He and his wife have a son and a daughter.

Bush was honored in 2002 as a Woman Who Makes a Difference by the Bucks County YWCA. She is chairman-elect of the United Way of Bucks County, and currently serves as president of the County Planning Directors Association of Pennsylvania.

“I look forward to working with Brian and our leadership team to continue our positive work on behalf of our citizens. This is truly a privilege,” she stated.