NKU The Northerner student journalists Josh Kelly and Billy Keeney reached out to these candidates for information and searched other sources. As candidates provide missing bios and pictures (or make any corrections), the information will be updated. We have endeavored to provide bios for all candidates in CONTESTED council/commission races in Kenton County.

By Josh Kelly and Billy Keeney
The Northerner

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Nancy Kienker

Nancy Kienker is originally from Chicago and now lives in Bromley. She currently serves as a council member for the City of Bromley. She serves over the Insurance and Grants committee. 

 
 
 
 

Mike Kendall

Mike Kendall is from Covington. He lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida from 1964 to 1968, and moved to Bromley in 1968. After attending the University of Kentucky, he served in the Army from 1970-1972. He retired after working 36 years for Sanitation District 1 as the Director of Environmental Compliance. He currently serves on the Bromley City Council overseeing the Police committee. 

 

Gail Smith 

Gail Smith is from Bromley and attended La Salette Academy. After graduation, she attended some classes at Thomas More College. She worked at Fifth Third Bank for 36 years before retiring. She currently serves on the Bromley City Council.

 
 
 
 

David Radford

Dave Radford is a lifelong resident of Bromley. He graduated from Dixie Heights High School. He currently works as an Engineering Tech II and has served the last 12 years as a council member for the City of Bromley. In the past, he has served as the Mayor of Bromley. He currently oversees the Road and Light committee.

 
 
 

Reagan France

No information available

 

Timothy Wartman 

Tim Wartman currently serves on the Bromley City Council. He oversees the Park and Playground committee.

 

Dianne Wartman

Dianne Wartman is currently serving on the Bromley City Council. She currently oversees the Hall committee.

 

 

Missy Spears

Missy Spears, a Northern Kentucky native, is a community activist and volunteer. She calls herself “Covington’s biggest cheerleader.” She is the current owner of Keep Your Shirt On Covington and previously worked in the data department for the U.S. Department of Treasury.

 
 
 
 

Tarris Horton

Tarris Horton is a self-employed entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a TV/Radio and Broadcast Communications degree. He is the Founder of Hortons Barber Shop in Covington, as well as the Executive Content Creator for AskTarrisHorton.com.

 
 
 
 

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is the current Mayor Pro Tem and was first elected onto the City Commission in 2012. She is currently an Aviation Technology Student at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. In her spare time she volunteers for various organizations in Covington.

 
 
 
 

Tim Downing

Tim Downing has lived in Covington for nearly 30 years after moving back for college. The Pendleton County High School graduate went on to earn degrees in math and physics from Centre College, a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. He currently leads a team of Category Managers with Hormel Foods. Outside of work, he volunteers with Big Brother/Sisters.

 
 
 

Shannon Smith

Shannon Smith, originally from Brandenburg, Kentucky, is a local entrepreneur at her law firm in Covington and recently opened a vintage spirit shop. After graduating from Morehead State University, she got a law degree from Chase Law School. Smith was also a professional soccer player. She is now an active member of several local boards including Latonia Uptown Board, Covington Ladies Home Board, and Horizon 410 club.

 
 
 

Ron Washington

Ron Washington is a Covington native. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He has previously worked in the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office and is founder and previous operator of NKY Medical Clinic before retiring as a Florence police officer. Outside of work, he volunteers in Covington schools and calls basketball games at Holmes High School, his alma mater.

 
 
 

 

Ben Barlage

Ben Barlage is an Edgewood native and graduate of Covington Catholic High School. After graduation, he went on to attend the University of Kentucky and graduate with an Architecture degree. He currently works at GBBN Architects Inc. Outside of work, he is an active member at St. Pius X Catholic Church and school, the Vice Chair of KET Northern Kentucky Fund Board, and President of the Northern Kentucky section of American Institute of Architects.

 
 

Rob Thelen

Rob Thelen has spent most of his life in Edgewood. A graduate of Covington Latin High School, he went on to obtain both his Bachelor’s in History and Organizational Studies and Master’s in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University. In his free time, he enjoys watching his kids play sports.

 
 
 

Darla Kettenacker

Darla Kettenacker, originally from Falmouth, moved to Northern Kentucky when she was 12. After graduating from Dixie Heights High School, she moved to Florida. Now, she is a retired scientist from Procter & Gamble and enrolled at St. Mary’s School of Theology for her Masters. She is involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the President of the Edgewood Garden Club.

 
 
 

Tony Ward

Tony Ward, Edgewood native, has been serving on the council since 2012. The graduate of Covington Catholic High School went on to obtain his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Orthodontics and Prosthetics from Northwestern University. He is currently employed at Durrett’s O and P Services. He is an active volunteer in the community.

 
 
 

Mike Thelen

Mike Thelen has extensive experience in managing worker’s compensation and in managing environmental management systems. He graduated from Thomas More College in business and West Virginia University with a masters in Safety Studies. He has been an active volunteer and member of the Edgewood Fire/EMS.

 
 
 

Dale Henson

Dale Henson has spent 26 of his 29 years in Edgewood on the City Council. The Frankfort native graduated from Franklin County High School in 1977 and received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University in 1981. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Covington and has held various financial management positions for several companies including a CPA firm and the Kentucky Department of Parks.

 
 

Kim Wolking

Kim Wolking has lived in Edgewood for over 40 years. She retired from the City of Edgewood after 21 years of service as a Deputy City Clerk and Recreation Director. She is employed as the part-time community event planner for Erlanger. She was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Council in 2018.

 
 
 

Tom Elfers

Tom Elfers has lived in Edgewood for 14 years with his wife Vickie; they have two grown daughters. He is a Certified Employment Support Professional who works with employers to find jobs for individuals with disabilities. He will receive his Master’s in Public Administration from NKU in December. Elfers was a U.S. Army officer and formerly worked as a hotel and restaurant executive.

 
 
 

Jeff Schriever

Jeff Schriever has spent most of his life in Edgewood with his wife and two sons. After graduating from Covington Catholic High School, he went on to attend Northern Kentucky University. He currently is the Vice President and part-owner of his family business, Swan Floral Gift Shop in Elsmere. He is an active member of St. Pius Church, a member of the Knights of St. John and loves researching the history of Edgewood. 

 
 
 

Joe Messmer

Joe Messmer has served on the City Council since 2008. He graduated from Covington Catholic High School. He has been a member of the Edgewood Volunteer Fire/EMS Department for 45 years and served as chief for 26 of those years. He is a member of St. Pius X Church. He also has been the President of his family business.

 
 
 
 

 

Stephen Knipper

Stephen Knipper, Northern Kentucky native, graduated from Covington Catholic High School. After graduation, he attended Northern Kentucky University and obtained a Bachelor’s in Political Science. He now works as CEO and President of Operations and Consulting Group. He was formerly a Chief of Staff for Kentucky Lieutenant Governor. He is an active member at his church and the Northern Kentucky Adoptive Parents Community.

 
 

Kathy Cahill

Kathy Cahill has been a resident of Erlanger for over 50 years. She serves as one of the current council members. A Notre Dame High School graduate, she would later graduate Northern Kentucky University. She retired from her position as Park and Recreation Coordinator for the City of Erlanger. In the past, she was also a substitute teacher throughout Northern Kentucky systems. She volunteers at St. Henry and St. Joseph Grade Schools in her free time, among other things.

 
 

Don Skidmore

Don Skidmore has served on City Council since 2016. He is a member of the Public Works Committee. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for 33 years and is retired.

 
 
 
 
 

Tyson Hermes

Tyson Hermes is a native of Delhi and has lived in Erlanger for 10 years. After graduating from Covington Latin School, he attended the University of Cincinnati earning an associate’s degree in Civil Engineering and Bachelor’s degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology and Construction Management. He is currently the owner of a commercial construction company, Hermes Construction Company, and is a ski instructor, and beekeeper. He serves on the executive board of the Building Industry Association.

 
 

Thomas Cahill

Thomas Cahill has served on the City Council since 2006. He is a member of the Public Works Committee.He is director of respiratory and sleep medicine at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. He graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s in science and a Master of Science, Executive Leadership and Organizational Change. 

 
 
 
 
 

Rebecca Reckers

Rebecca Reckers was raised in Cincinnati and moved to Erlanger just over 10 years ago. She received a BS from Wright State University and then went on to earn her MBA from Northern Kentucky University. She has been working over 14 years in banking with financial institutions executing audits, regulatory compliance testing, and risk management. She works for Corporate Compliance Independent Testing Group at Huntington National Bank. She volunteers and helps organizations that help end homelessness and Welcome House Northern Kentucky.

 
 

Jennifer Brown Jasper

Jennifer Brown Jasper was born and raised in Erlanger and currently resides in the Sherbourne Subdivision. She graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in 1996. After high school, Jasper went to Eastern Kentucky University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations in 2000. Jasper has over 20 years experience in sales, leadership, management, marketing and public relations. 

 
 
 

Victoria Kyle

Victoria Kyle was born and raised in Covington and has been a resident of Erlanger for 47 years. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy and Thomas More University. Kyle taught for 42 years in Northern Kentucky — 34 years at Lloyd High School and St. Henry District School. She is a member of the Erlanger Historical Society and has served on Erlanger City Council since 1996 where she is a member of the Police Committee. 

 
 
 

Gary Meyer

Gary Meyer grew up in the Cherry Hill Subdivision and has lived in Northern Kentucky all his life. He graduated from Dixie Heights High School after spending his first three years at St. Henry High School. Meyer went to Northern Kentucky University where he earned a Master’s in Science Information Systems. He currently works for Fidelity Investments, serves on the Erlanger City Council and is a member of the Codes Enforcement Committee.

 
 

Frank A. Wichmann

Frank Wichmann has lived his entire life in Erlanger. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and has been an attorney in the Northern Kentucky area since 1964. He represented the City of Erlanger from 1966 to 2018 and currently represents Taylor Mill and Edgewood. He is a member of the Erlanger Lions Club.

 
 
 

Ryan Elmore

Ryan Elmore grew up in Burlington and has been a resident of Erlanger for the past 14 years. She graduated from Gallatin County High School in 2003 and earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Kentucky University in 2007. Elmore has been the school librarian for Miles Elementary in Erlanger for six years. Before working for the school system, she was a corrections officer for the Boone County Jail. 

 
 
 

Renee Skidmore

Renee Skidmore has served on the Erlanger City Council since 2008 where she is a member of the Administration Committee. Skidmore is the Council Representative to Kenton County. She is retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

 
 
 
 

Diana Niceley

No information available

 

 

Jason Worms

Jason Worms graduated from Albion College in 2002 where he earned a Bachelor’s in Economics & Management. He later received a Master’s of Business Administration from Thomas More College in 2014. Currently, Worms is the Vice President of Customer Service and Shareholder at NovaIRA, LLC and a Team Lead and Consultant at Nova 401(k).

 
 
 

David Abeln

David Abeln has served on the Fort Wright City Council since 2012. He is vice president of Cincinnati Testing Laboratories (CTL), an international leader in the composite materials testing field. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

 
 
 
 

Adam Dale Feinauer

Adam Feinauer has served on the Fort Wright City Council since 2001. He graduated from Covington Catholic High School and earned a BS in Industrial Technology at Northern Kentucky University. He is Pricing/Materials Manager at Fives Machining Systems.

 
 
 
 

Margie Witt

Margie Witt has served on the Fort Wright City Council since 2017. She grew up in Edgewood and is a graduate of both Notre Dame Academy and Northern Kentucky University. She works at the LAM Foundation in Cincinnati. She has been active in the Fort Wright community for over 20 years and has served as a member of the City’s Vision Committee, a member of the Garden Club and organized the “Clean-up Fr. Wright day” for several years.

 
 

Bernie Wessels

Bernie Wessels has been the owner of Wessels Construction & Development Company Inc. since 1979. The company is family owned and operated and currently owns over 1.3 million square feet of commercial and multi-family residential space in NKY. He has served on the Fort Wright City Council since 2008.

 
 
 

Scott Wall

Scott Wall has served on the Fort Wright City Council since 2007. He is a graduate of Northern Kentucky Univerity and is a Senior Account Manager at Stand Energy Corporation.

 
 
 
 

Jay Weber

Jay Weber has served on the Fort Wright City Council since 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Administrative Finance from the Fisher School of Business at Ohio University and held professional positions with Fifth Third Bank and retired as Executive Vice President of Batesville Products, an aluminum foundry and manufacturing company. He as vice president of the Kentucky League of Property Owners and as president and board member of Sanitation District No. 1.

 
 
 
 

 

Tom Brinker

Tom Brinker has been an Independence resident for 15 years. He has served five terms as an Independence City Council member. He has served as president of the Independence Citizens Police Academy and chairman of the Independence Parks and Recreation Board. He is a service manager at Kenmarc Electric.

 
 
 

Amy Engelman

Amy Engelman grew up in Lakeside Park and has lived in Independence for over 20 years. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy and Northern Kentucky University. Engelman worked at Remke Market for 27 years before working for SENECA Foods as a Sales Manager for the Midwest. She is currently on the Independence City Council and a member of the Independence Citizen’s Police and Fire Academies.

 
 
 

Greg Waite

Greg Waite was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio before making his way to Kentucky in 1990 to be a firefighter with the Independence Fire District. After he graduated high school, Waite served four years in the United States Navy. Waite retired as a Lieutenant after 34 years as firefighter. He is currently on the Independence City Council and served on the Kenton County Code Enforcement Board.

 
 
 

Lucas Deaton

Lucas Deaton has been a resident of Independence for almost 20 years. He graduated from Simon Kenton High School, Georgetown College and Valparaiso Law School. He is currently the Boone County Staff Attorney and is on the Independence City Council.

 
 
 
 

Carol Franzen

Carol Franzen was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. She graduated from Scott High School in 1989 and from Northern Kentucky University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration. She has worked for Gatlin Voelker and the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office. Franzen is currently a paralegal for Reminger and serves on the Independence City Council. 

 
 
 
 

David E. Shafer

No information available

 

Gregory S. Steffen

No information available

 

Chris Vogelpohl

Chris Vogelpohl has lived in Independence since he was 10 years old. He went to high school at Holy Cross in Covington. Vogelpohl graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 1998, where he earned his nursing degree, and went to paramedic school at the University of Cincinnati in 2002. He is currently working in nursing education as an RN Skills Instructor for St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Vogelpohl is also a retired firefighter and paramedic.

 
 
 
 

 

Dave Wolfer

Dave Wolfer graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Business in 1983. He was a staff accountant for Grant Thorton for 8 years and a Lakeside Park City Council member from 2009 to 2010. He is owner of Wolfer Promotions. 

 
 
 
 

Brian D. Waite

Brian D. Waite is a lifelong resident of Lakeside Park. He went to high school at Covington Latin and graduated from Xavier University. He is a manager at Procter & Gamble. Waite has served three terms on the Lakeside Park City Council. While in office, he has served on the Police Authority Board, Public Works Committee and Finance Committee. 

 
 
 

Matt Stegman

Matt Stegman has worked for over 20 years as an Engineer and Contractor. He is Public Works Director for the City of Fort Mitchell. His career as a civil engineer includes design and construction management of utilities, subdivisions, and roads, from local streets to interstate highways. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a BS in Civil Engineering. He currently serves on the Lakeside Park council.

 
 
 

Tyler Gastright

Tyler Gastright graduated from the University of Louisville where he received a Bachelor’s and Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently the Vice President for Sales & Engineering for Comfort Systems USA’s Cincinnati/Dayton Mechanical Division and a Lakeside Park City Council Member. 

 
 
 

Paul Markgraf

Paul Markgraf graduated from Spring Hill College in 1978 and Chase College of Law in 1982. He has been an attorney for Markgraf Law Offices since 1983 and a Lakeside Park City Council member since 2004.

 
 
 
 

Mary Ann Thaman

No information available. Mary Ann Thaman currently serves on Lakeside Park City Council.

 
 
 
 
 

Tom Bernheimer

Tom Bernheimer was born in Cincinnati and has been a resident of Northern Kentucky for over 50 years. He graduated from Woodward High School and majored in Marketing and Management at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Before retiring, Bernheimer worked for the Cincinnati Enquirer for 45 years. 

 
 
 

 

 

Kevin P. Downes

No information available

 

Anthony Darin

No information available

 

Sarah Froelich

Sarah Froelich grew up in Cincinnati. She graduated from Walnut Hills High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in art history and architecture from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP). From there, she went to New York City for graduate school and received a Masters degree in Design Criticism from the School of Visual Arts. She is currently an editor at Salesforce and a Park Hills City Council member. 

 
 

G. Daryl Hallman

G. Daryl Hallman is a radiologist and consulting physician for MidWest Dysphagia Consultants. He is a graduate of the University of California and did his radiolodgy residence at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Oakland.

 
 
 
 

Steve Elkins

Steve Elkins grew up in Latonia and Edgewood. He graduated from Dixie Heights High School and Northern Kentucky University. Elkins has worked for DHL as a Director of Public Affairs. He was also a Special Olympics coach and a member of the Northern Kentucky Leadership Class of 2014. Elkins is currently on the Park Hills City Council. 

 
 
 

Joseph Thomas Shields

Joseph Thomas Shields has lived in Parks Hills his whole life. He graduated from Dixie Heights High School and received his Bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. Shields is the owner of Room of Knowledge Consulting, a strategic communications firm. Shields is currently a member of the Park Hills City Council and a board member for the Northern Kentucky Forum. 

 
 
 

Pamela Spoor

Pamela Spoor is originally from Fort Mitchell, but has lived in Parks Hills since 1978. She graduated from Villa Madonna Academy, Northern Kentucky University and Chase College of Law. Spoor is retired from a career in municipal finance. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Behringer Crawford Museum, volunteers at Trolley Park and is a Park Hills City Council member.

 
 
 
 

 

Greg Sanders

Greg Sanders is a real estate agent for Apex Group in Florence.

 
 
 
 
 

Terri Lynn Courtney

Terri Courtney was appointed to the Walton City Council after John Wainwright resigned earlier this year. She is a banking professional with Citi.

 

Howard M. Stevens

Howard Stevens grew up in Wilmington, Massachusetts, and has lived in NKY for 25 years. He is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army military police. He is disabled due to a heart issue but he attends all the city council meetings and meetings with the police department. He formerly worked at TANK.

 
 
 

Sherry L. Snowden

Sherry Snowden is a professional sales person at Fred Meyer Jewelers.

 
 
 
 
 

Bobby McDonald

Bobby McDonald was re-elected to the Walton City Council in 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 

Matthew Brown

Matt Brown has served on the Walton City Council since 2012. He grew up in Walton. He lives in Walton with his wife and their young daughter. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Dan Martin

No information available

 

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