Lehigh County Jail has a new warden. Lehigh County Commissioner recommended Kyle Russell’s appointment Nov. 28. A final vote was to confirm the position at the next regular meeting of the commissioners Dec. 12.

Russell, already a long-time Northampton resident, is currently a Deputy Warden in Berks County. He has 17 years’ experience in corrections management.

“He is the right man for the job,” said Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong in remarks to the commissioners.

Russell said he “fell in love with corrections” as a career early on.

When quizzed briefly by the commissioners, Russell said mental health is a great problem in the corrections system.

In other business, outgoing president of Discover Lehigh Valley Mike Stershic introduced his successor, Alex Michaels.

Stershic said in a statement on the Discover Lehigh Valley’s website, “I’ve been fortunate to live and work in Lehigh Valley for more than 35 years, and it’s been a true honor to serve in this role for 14 of those years. I have also been fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues who strive to fulfill our mission every day, helping to promote our wonderful downtowns, attractions, festivals, venues, restaurants and sporting events that drive tourism and investment in our region.

Stershic’s retirement is effective Dec. 31 after 14 years of service.

Alex Michaels is a Whitehall HS graduate who left the Lehigh Valley in pursuit of his career goals, and in the course of events worked fora variety of high-profile organizations, including Disney in Florida.

Discover Lehigh Valley is a destination marketing company that promotes the Lehigh Valley.