Rich Fitzgerald

The county’s top elected official, Rich Fitzgerald is in his third and final term as County Executive. Widely recognized for his work ethic, Rich is one of the county’s biggest champions and is well known for bringing together people and organizations on regional issues.  Under his leadership, the county has concentrated on economic development and job creation and boasts high-quality jobs, a diverse and growing economy, low cost of living, and an excellent quality of life.

The 2020 Census numbers have underscored the success of those efforts. For the first time in 60 years, the county’s population grew over the last decade. Just as importantly, the area is also becoming more diverse. There was substantial growth in the Hispanic and Asian populations in the county, and more people are identifying as multiracial. That increased diversity can also be attributed to multiyear efforts to ensure that this community is more welcoming. That diversity, along with the population growth, will continue to move this region forward.

He has also managed the county’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, working closely with the Health Department, and has provided consistent and reassuring messaging to county residents since the first case was reported in the county in March 2020. As a participant in the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine trial, he frequently speaks about his experience in the trial and his confidence in the vaccine and its role in the county’s and country’s recovery from the virus.

Born and raised in the City of Pittsburgh, Rich graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife, Cathy, live in Squirrel Hill. They have eight children.