John J. Whelan

John J. “Jack” Whelan serves as Chairman of Delaware County Council, which oversees the county government operations that serve the 550,000 residents of Delaware County.

An attorney from Ridley Township, Mr. Whelan was elected to a four-year term on County Council in 2005, was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2009 and took the oath office in January 2010.  He is one of five Council members who are responsible for the many services that benefit Delaware County residents, including Veterans Affairs, Parks and Recreation, the County Office of Services for the Aging, Library Services and the County’s outstanding 911 Center. 

During his time on Council, he has been honored by several groups for outstanding leadership and public service, including the Delaware County Library System’s Outstanding Public Official award, and the Delaware County Victims’ Rights Week Award, both presented in the spring of 2009. In 2010, Chairman Whelan received a Child Advocacy Angel Award from CASA Youth Advocates of Delaware County, which provides advocates for neglected and abused children.

In recognition of a personal act of bravery by Mr. Whelan, he received a Citizenship Award from the Ridley Township Board of Commissioners, recognition by the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, as well as the Citizens Crime Commission Award for Bravery, presented in 2009.

In 2011, the Delaware County Chiefs of Police Association honored Mr. Whelan with the George G. Weidner Award, presented for outstanding support of law enforcement and criminal justice.

A graduate of Temple University School of Law, he is a partner in the law firm of Whelan, Doyle and Pressman. He also has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Temple University.

He has a keen interest in law enforcement and criminal justice. He was a Delaware County Assistant District Attorney from 1986-1991, serving as a trial team leader. He prosecuted many defendants for capital offenses as well as for other felonies and misdemeanors.

Mr. Whelan has served as chairman of the Police and Public Safety Committee in Ridley Township for 10 years.