​Early Life and Education

Raised in the Woodlyn Hills neighborhood, Jessica graduated from Dixie Heights High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University. Her academic background laid the foundation for a career centered on data-driven decision-making and community development.

 

Family and Personal Life

In 2008, Jessica married her high school sweetheart, Jim Fette, at St. Henry Catholic Church. The couple purchased their first home on Timberlake Avenue in 2009 and are blessed with three children: Grace, James, and Max. The Fette family is active in the school community and parishioners of St. Barbara Catholic Church.

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Professional Background

With over a decade of experience in project management, reporting, and analysis, Jessica has led numerous transformational projects across various organizations. In 2012, she founded a small business specializing in marketing and graphic design services for other small businesses, further demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to local economic development.

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Public Service and Leadership

Jessica's journey in public service began as a Council Member for Erlanger from 2016 to 2018. During this time, she spearheaded initiatives such as the creation of the Police Social Services Coordinator position, supported tax decreases, and founded the Erlanger Business Council. She also organized the city's first Hiring Event and Heroin Town Hall, reflecting her proactive approach to addressing community needs.

As Mayor, Jessica has continued to drive positive change, including:

• Transitioning the Fire/EMS Department to a fully full-time staff.

• Implementing multiple tax decreases over consecutive years.

• Establishing the Legacy Business Incentive Grant and Demo Revitalization Grant.

• Launching the Youth Leadership Academy of Erlanger.

• Enhancing city transparency by live-streaming Council Meetings.

• Renegotiating the City Engineer contract for the first time in 50 years.

• Groundbreaking the 1,000-acre Eons Adventure Park, featuring mountain biking trails, tree canopy walks, and a nature playground.

• Being honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award by the Kenton County Rotary Club for her civic contributions and service.

 

Her leadership extends beyond local initiatives; she serves on several regional boards, including the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services, the OKI Board, and the Northern Kentucky Regional Ethics Authority Board. Jessica is also the Secretary of the Kenton County Mayors Group and a member of the NKU Finance & Economics Department.

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Vision for the Future

Guided by the principles of Kaizen—continuous improvement—Jessica remains steadfast in her mission to make Erlanger a vibrant, thriving community. Her leadership is characterized by a blend of analytical rigor, compassionate service, and an unwavering commitment to the residents and businesses of Erlanger.