GREENE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS . . . PAST & PRESENT
Overview — In January 1876, Greene County first began electing three (3) commissioners vs. one commissioner to constitute the chief governing body of Greene County. Statutory authority of the commissioners is primarily of an administrative nature with legislative or policy-making powers. Today, the county commissioners are vested with selective policy-making authority to provide certain local services and facilities on a county-wide basis. Administrative powers and duties of county commissioners encompass registration and elections, assessment of persons and property, human services, veterans' affairs, appointment of county personnel and fiscal management.
Greene County, like most counties are in Pennsylvania, is governed by a board of three County Commissioners elected every four years by the voters who live there. The Board of Commissioners oversees the entire operation of the County and represents the best interests of the citizens. Other officials are also elected to perform certain functions: the Controller, Treasurer, Coroner, Recorder of Deeds, Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans' Court, Sheriff, District Attorney and Jury Commissioners. Under the direction of these elected officials/officers, the county maintains important legal records such as real estate deeds, marriage licenses, adoption papers, court records and more. Different counties have different elected officials, depending on their class.
Can You Help? — Photos of former Greene County Commissioners are being requested for a project of scanning these photos to be placed on the walls of the County Office Building (first floor). Photographs received will be returned to its owner after scanning is complete. Anyone having photos can contact Charlotte Popielarcheck or Ginelle Michael at 724-852-5210, or by Email to cpopielarcheck, or regular mail to:
Attention: Charlotte Popielarcheck or to Ginelle Michael
or mail to:
Commissioners’ Portraits Project County Office Building, Third Floor 93 East High Street, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370
Commissioners Past to Present — The following listing of names are those who have served as County Commissioner within Greene County from 1796 to current day, click any image where available, to enlarge photo:
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — DURING THE 2000's — individual names are shown below the photos. Also listed with the commissioners is the chief clerk for the period of years since 1916. Click on images to enlarge
Pam Snyder, Chairman (D) Dave Coder, Board Vice Chairman (D) Judith P. Gardner, Board Secretary (R)(appointed 4/5/2007) Chief Clerk: Gene Lee (1989-2010)
2004—2007
Pam Snyder, Chairman (D) Dave Coder, Board Vice Chairman (D) John R. Gardner, Board Secretary (R) dec. 2007 Chief Clerk: Gene Lee (1989-2010)
2000—2004
Dave Coder, Chairman (D) Farley Toothman, Board Vice Chairman (D) Scott A. Blair, Board Secretary(R) Chief Clerk: Gene Lee (1989-2010)
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DURING THE 1900's — Photos included where available
1996—2000
Dave Coder, Chairman (D) Farley Toothman (D) John R. Gardner (R) dec. 2007 Chief Clerk: Gene Lee (1989-2010)
1992—1996
James M. Rizor, Chairman (D) Pauline M. Crumrine (D) Robert C. Andrew (R) Chief Clerk: Gene Lee (1989-2010)
1988—1992
James M. Rizor, Chairman (D) Kelce Mosley (D) Lloyd (Odie) Rohanna (R) Chief Clerk: Gene Lee (1989-2010)
1984—1988
Daniel E. Bailey, Chairman (D) Leonard R. Santore (D) John R. Gardner (R) dec. 2007 Chief Clerk: Herbert A. Cox (1977—1989)
1980—1984
Joseph C. Pawlosky (D) Leonard R. Santore(D) Richard S. Cowan, Jr. (R) Chief Clerk: Herbert A. Cox (1977—1989)
1976—1980
Richard S. Cowan, Jr. (R) John R. Gardner (R) (TCT) dec. 2007 Ernest C. Lemley (R)dec. 1979 (photo needed) Joseph C. Pawlosky (D) Chief Clerk: Herbert A. Cox (1977—1989)
1972—1976
Joseph C. Pawlosky (D) E. Bryan Jacobs (D) Carter Andrew (R)Photo courtesy of Dottie Hopkins, daughter of Carter Andrew Chief Clerk: Ellen F. Biery (1974—1977)
1968—1972
Herman Gugliotta Harold A. Russell R. Stanley Smith Dec. Chief Clerk: William Meighen (1948—1974)
1964—1968
Herman Gugliotta Harold A. Russell Leroy Titus Chief Clerk: William Meighen (1948—1974)
1956—1964
John B. Carter (Dec. 12/13/1966) Herman Gugliotta Arleigh R. Varner (Dec. 2/11/1988) Chief Clerk: William Meighen (1948—1974)
1952—1955
John G. Baily Bert G. Titus C. Chesney Wood Chief Clerk: William Meighen (1948—1974)
1948—1951
John G. Baily (pictured) Frank F. Bryan Bert G. Titus Chief Clerk: William Meighen (1948-1974)
1944—1947
No Photos Available
John B. Carter Harry Cummins James M. White Chief Clerk: Russell Lemley (1943-1948)
1940—1943
John B. Carter Clarence C. Taylor (pictured) C. Chesney Wood Chief Clerk: William Meighen (1940-1943)
1936—1939
John B. Carter (pictured) W. I. Orndoff W. R. Tague Chief Clerk: Edward Wood (1936—1940)
1932—1935
Ottis H. Headley (8/3/31-32) E. E. Morris James Mooney John Jacob Yeager (R) (pictured) Chief Clerk: Russell Lemley (1920-1935)
1928
No Photos Available
Paul Debolt M. P. Headley dec. 7/23/31 Ottis H. Headley (8/3/31-32) J. N. Scott Chief Clerk: Russell Lemley (1920-1935)
1924
No Photos Available
William Debolt A. J. Morris S. K. Strosnider Chief Clerk: Russell I. Lemley (1920-1935)
1920
No Photos Available
J. W. Closser Jesse L. Hartley J. B. Main Chief Clerk: Russell I. Lemley (1920-1935)
1916-1919
No Photos Available
George Moore (D) Daniel Six (D) J. Sheridan Johnson (R) Chief Clerk: Albert King (1916-1919)
(Partial Data Source: History of Greene County by Samuel P. Bates, 1888; Reproduction sponsored by John Corbly Chapter, DAR, Waynesburg, PA -- Ms. Nancy Huffman, Regent (p. 475-477))
County Commissioners during the 1700's — Photos included where available
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Richard S. Cowan, Jr. (R) 
