Fort Wright, KY (October 14th, 2025) - After recently conducted interviews and thoughtful and thorough deliberation by City Council, Donna Ross was selected from among nine candidates to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of long-time Council Member Dave Abeln. Ross will be sworn in at the October 15th Council Meeting and will immediately be seated to fill Dave Abeln's unexpired term.

“Dave Abeln was a dedicated, effective, and valued member of council for 13 years, and I believe Donna will bring the same commitment and devotion,” said Fort Wright Mayor Dave Hatter. “In fact, Dave Abeln gave her candidacy his strong support in writing, and I’ve known Donna for decades. I think I can speak on behalf of Council to say that we're all excited to add Donna to the team and we're looking forward to working with her to keep moving Fort Wright forward.”

Ross has lived in Fort Wright for more than 30 years and credits the fact that she’s lived on “both sides” of Fort Wright (east and west of Dixie Highway) for her understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing our community. She is a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, as well as, Northern Kentucky University and her two sons graduated from both St. Agnes Elementary and Covington Catholic High School.

Ross is semi-retired from a successful 30-plus year career in medical device sales, a fast-paced, high-pressure environment demanding adaptability and problem solving on a daily basis. She is a part-time instructor at the Medical Sales College, teaching surgical procedures and techniques, selling methodologies and active listening, as well as, providing content for the ten-week course.

Additionally, Ross is in her second term as a member on the Board of Trustees of the Glengarry neighborhood’s Homeowner’s Association.

“I believe two of the greatest assets I can offer to the residents of Fort Wright are that I listen and I care,” Ross said. I truly want to learn from Council, Staff and our Residents and Businesses so that I can help provide responsible, meaningful and logical guidance.

“We have an amazing City in which to live and raise a family. It has been run extremely well for years now by the current Mayor, City Council, Administration and employees,” Ross continued. “I am committed to keeping Fort Wright safe and beautiful, with low taxes, excellent public services and friendly people.”

“She’s very smart, quite accomplished in the private sector and she has the best interests of our City at heart,” said Mayor Hatter. “I am certain she will do a great job for our community.”