Innovative and Strategic Leader with 20+ years in elected, public service

Terence Farrell is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of public service and extensive expertise in governmental processes and financial management. He founded For Real Solutions LLC in 2020, leveraging his deep network and strategic acumen to help businesses create value. As a Chester County (PA) Commissioner for 12 years, Terence managed a $500M consolidated budget, achieving AAA/Aaa bond ratings and earning the county recognition as one of the nation’s top 24 best-managed counties.
Terence’s leadership earned him accolades such as Legislator of the Year and Citizen of the Year. He has served on numerous boards, including the Lincoln University Board of Trustees, the Chester County Economic Development Council, and the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley. Currently, he is a Director on the Board of the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art.

As Recorder of Deeds, Terence modernized the office by implementing online public records and electronic document submissions. His background includes roles as a Realtor®, small business owner, journalist, and writing tutor. He has been actively involved in professional organizations, including the National Association of Counties and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Terence holds Graduate Certificates in Public Administration and Public Personnel Administration, and has completed leadership programs at NACo and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He earned his BA in English (cum laude) from Carleton College. Terence resides in Lewes, DE with his wife, Theresa, and has two adult sons and two grandchildren.

Board Experience

  • Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art – Board Member, 2021 to present
  • PA Human Relations Commission – 2011-2017
  • Appointed by Governor Corbett to Lincoln University Board of Trustees – 2011 – 2015
  • Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission – Member, 2011-2014 (Chair, July, 2012 – June, 2013)
  • Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC)
  • Chester County Prison Board – Member, 2008-2020
  • Chester County Retirement Board – Member, 2008-2020
  • Chester County Conservation District – Board Member, 2008-2012
  • Chester County Economic Development Council – Board Member, ex officio, 2008 – 2020
  • West Chester Business Improvement District – Board Member, 2009-2011
  • YMCA of the Brandywine Valley – Board Member, 2009-2016
  • Presidential Rank Awards Panel, 2005, appointed by the White House
  • Southern Chester County YMCA – Board Member, 2004-2008
  • Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School – Board Member, 2005-2008
  • Chester County Election Task Force – 1998-2002
  • Chester County Dept. of Children, Youth & Families – Citizens’ Advisory Committee, 1998-1999
  • Chester County Reassessment Appeals Board – Board Member, 1997
  • Lincoln Community Association – Board of Directors, Ex-Officio Member, 1987-1992

Certifications

  • Graduate Certificate in Public Administration – Indiana State University, 2006
  • Graduate Certificate in Public Personnel Administration – Indiana State University, 2006
  • Licensed Pennsylvania Realtor, 1995-2009

Awards and Recognitions

  • National Association of Counties’ County Leadership Institute Seminar – 2010
  • Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Leadership Seminar – 2009
  • Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
  • 2010 Planning Excellence Award – Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association for Chester County’s open space program, Landscapes2
  • 2010 Achievement Award – National Association of Counties for innovative worksite-based lunchtime growers’ market
  • 2010 Elected Officials Award – PA Library Association
  • Award for Conservation of County Open Space – Trust for Public Lands and the National Association of Counties
  • Exemplary Systems in Government Award – Urban & Regional Information Systems Association for implementing the Uniform Parcel Identifier program, 2002
  • Legislator of the Year – Exton Region Chamber of Commerce
  • Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence for Fiscal Accountability & Best Management Practices
  • Citizen of the Year – Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, 2011

Designations

  • President – For Real Solutions LLC
  • Commissioner – Chester County, Pennsylvania
  • Recorder of Deeds – Chester County, Pennsylvania
  • President – H.E.A.D. International, Inc.
  • Affirmative Action Coordinator – City of Minneapolis, Minnesota