WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Jeffrey Warren was unanimously elected as the new president of Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners at its reorganization meeting Monday.
Warren succeeds Commissioner Thomas Slonaker, who was elected board vice president over Commissioner Ken Snyder by a 5-2 vote.
“I am humbled the commissioners have put their faith in me."
Jeffrey Warren, newly elected president of Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners
“I am humbled the commissioners have put their faith in me,” said Warren, who had served as vice president and is in his eighth year on the board.
“I plan to represent them and the residents of Whitehall Township well.”
Randy Atiyeh was re-elected board secretary by a 7-0 vote.
The board welcomed two new members — Taylor Stakes and Lee Christman — who won seats in the general election in November.
Stakes in October was hired as Lehigh County Authority’s first director of communications and strategic partnerships.
He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and got his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He served as the director of constituency for a city councilwoman in San Antonio.
Stakes received a master’s degree in communication arts at the University of Incarnate Word, also in San Antonio.
“One of things I’m most excited about is the opportunity to bring new blood to Whitehall Township in the decisions that are made,” Stakes said.
“I look forward to collaborating with the board. We’re in an interesting time, with retail dying. Whitehall is in desperate need of finding new revenue and finding creative ways for additional sources of revenue.”
A 15-year member of the township’s Zoning Hearing Board, Christman has resided in Whitehall Township for more than 40 years.
He said his focus is seeing the township grow and become a major hub for business, with massive future potential for continued growth.
“I want to improve the quality of life of our family, friends and neighbors,” Christman has said. “This will cement present prosperity with an eye toward future opportunities in Whitehall Township.”
Tina Koren was sworn-in as tax collector/treasurer for a fifth year.
Reappointments
The following reappointments were made:
- Gross McKinley LLP, an Allentown law firm, as township solicitor. Per-hour reimbursement rates: partners ($195), associates ($175) and paralegals ($120).
- Keystone Consulting Engineers Inc., of Allentown, as township engineering firm at no increase from its 2026 rates.
- Scott Lipson as counsel to the Building Code Board of Appeals, Civil Service Commission & Tax Appeals Board at a rate of $90 per hour.
- William Fries as counsel to the township’s Zoning Hearing Board at a rate of $180 per hour. Paralegal reimbursement is $120 per hour.
- Lehigh Engineering Associates as the township’s Conflicting Engineering Firm at no increase from 2026 rates.
- Kevin Fogerty as township conflict attorney at a rate of $125 per hour.