A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Kentucky League of Cities honors Ft. Mitchell Mayor Jude Hehman as Elected Official of the Year


Fort Mitchell Mayor Jude Hehman is the sole recipient of the 2019 Elected Official of the Year award that will be presented by the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) at their annual conference in Covington on Wednesday, September 25.

The Elected City Official of the Year Award recognizes a dynamic official who demonstrates outstanding leadership and innovation.

“Our awards recognize the great work that officials and employees are doing in our Kentucky cities,” said Jonathan Steiner, KLC executive director/CEO. “Our winners are exceptional examples of why cities are so important to the residents they serve, and to the commonwealth overall.”

KLC represents more than 370 cities and nearly 2,500 elected city officials.

Jude Hehman

“Jude Hehman has committed his entire life to serving the residents of Fort Mitchell, Kentucky,” said Fort Mitchell City Councilman Jerry Deatherage. “He has served as a first responder, served on city council for years and recently elected mayor for a second term. He is constantly taking calls from residents, meeting with city officials and employees, networking with others from around the state and bringing ideas back to our city to make it a better place to live. Though his wife, Katie, should get the award for his sacrifices, we are very lucky to have Jude Hehman managing our city.”

Kentucky League of Cities said this about Mayor Jude Hehman, “He received a total of 10 separate nominations for the Elected City Official of the Year Award, from private citizens, community leaders, employees and fellow mayors. All carried through on themes of his ability to lead by bringing people together, his visionary and action-driven approach to what is possible in his city and his commitment to stewardship and transparent government.

“Elected as his city’s youngest-ever council member at the age of 21, Mayor Hehman learned his community inside and out. Years later, he was elected mayor, taking office in 2015, and is an example of someone who truly balances his family life, professional life and public service. One of his first actions as mayor was to rebuild his city team with enthusiastic professionals.

“Mayor Hehman solves problems by listening to all constituents and by taking a big-picture approach, whether it be his commitment to children’s issues, parks, and recreations, community events, partnering with other local entities on planning or working with other area governments on emergency services.

“He’s the first onsite for community events, he shovels snow or picks up trash when it’s needed and brings “can do” leadership to his city. He is constantly visible but gives others the credit for the city’s local improvements, success and growth.

“Mayor Hehman has established himself as one of northern Kentucky’s most respected and charismatic leaders, helping to take the region well into the future. A local small business owner’s nomination stated, ‘Fort Mitchell is extremely lucky to have him.’”

For more information, contact the city at 859-331-1212.


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