Newly elected officials prepare to take office in Penfield as the community gathers for a January 2 swearing-in ceremony

Penfield, New York – The Town of Penfield is preparing for a moment of transition as a new group of elected officials gets ready to formally step into leadership roles at the start of the new year. After months of campaigning and voter decision-making, the town’s next chapter will officially begin on Thursday, January 1, 2026, when several newly elected leaders assume office.

At the center of that change is Town Supervisor-elect Kevin Berry, who will take over the town’s top leadership position as the calendar turns. Alongside him, newly elected Town Board members Jon Getz and Bill Lang will begin their terms, joined by Town Justice Jim Mulley and Town Clerk Amy Steklof. Together, they will form a new governing team responsible for guiding Penfield through the coming years.

While the officials technically begin their duties on January 1, the community will have an opportunity to mark the occasion publicly the following day. A formal swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Friday, January 2, at 4:30 p.m. The event will take place in the auditorium at Penfield Town Hall, located at 3100 Atlantic Avenue. Residents are encouraged to attend and witness the transition firsthand, a tradition that underscores the town’s commitment to open and participatory local government.

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As Penfield looks ahead, it also pauses to recognize the service of outgoing Town Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts, who has led the town for the past two years. Reflecting on his time in office, Leenhouts emphasized both the work accomplished and the relationships built along the way.

“It has been my honor to serve as Town Supervisor for the past two years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I will always value the relationships built with so many of our great residents. I look forward to continuing to serve Penfield and crossing paths with neighbors throughout our community. This role was never simply a term of office, but a commitment to making our Town a better place, one that I remain dedicated to. I wish Supervisor-elect Berry every success as he prepares to lead the Town of Penfield.”

For Berry, the upcoming ceremony represents both a personal milestone and the beginning of a significant responsibility. As he prepares to be sworn in, he has outlined a vision centered on openness, careful planning, and collaboration across the community.

“It is the honor of my life to be sworn in as Town Supervisor of Penfield. I pledge to serve every resident with transparency, respect and accountability. As we plan for Penfield’s future, I am committed to thoughtful, responsible decision-making that protects what we value while supporting sustainable growth. I look forward to working with our residents, businesses, community organizations, and Town employees, and I will ensure every decision reflects the long-term best interests of the people of Penfield. I want to thank Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts and Councilmembers Bob Ockenden and Candace Lee for their service to our Town.”

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The ceremony itself is expected to be straightforward but meaningful, offering residents a chance to see their local officials formally take the oath of office. For those unable to attend in person, the town has made multiple viewing options available. The event will be broadcast live on Penfield Television’s Government Access Network, including Spectrum Cable Channel 1303. Viewers can also watch through the PenfieldTV app on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire devices, or stream the ceremony online via Facebook, YouTube, and the town’s official website at www.penfieldny.gov/tv.

As one year closes and another begins, the swearing-in marks more than a procedural step. It signals continuity, change, and the shared expectation that local leadership will reflect the values and priorities of the Penfield community it serves.