ERLANGER, KY – The City of Erlanger is proud to announce that two of its prominent leaders, Mayor Jessica Fette and St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director Karen Zengel, have been named among the NKY Chamber’s 2026 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky honorees. The prestigious awards, which recognize women for their professional achievements, community service and leadership, will be presented during a luncheon on June 4 at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming.
Mayor Jessica Fette, the first female mayor in Erlanger’s history, is being recognized for her dual role as a dedicated public servant and a local entrepreneur. Since taking office as Mayor in 2019, Fette has been a driving force for economic development and community engagement in the City. Beyond her mayoral duties, she is the owner of The Hive, a community-centric coffee bar and restaurant she opened in 2022. Her leadership regionally through her service as Chair of the Eons Preserve Nonprofit, Chair of
the PDS Management Board and Chair of the Kenton County Dispatch Board, and previously, Chair of the Kenton County Mayors Group. She is also a member of the Economic and Finance Advisory Board for Northern Kentucky University and a ski instructor at Perfect North Slopes.
Also being honored is Karen Zengel, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky located in Erlanger. Zengel joined the organization in 2017 after nearly two decades in market research. She leads the organization’s mission of providing basic needs and emergency financial assistance to neighbors facing hardship. She holds a degree in economics from Bethany College and an MBA from Xavier University. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Safety Net Alliance of Northern Kentucky, the steering committee for the Erlanger Business Council.
Fette and Zengel are both graduates of Leadership Northern Kentucky’s Class of 2020.
The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky awards were established to celebrate the region’s most influential female leaders. This year’s ceremony will highlight a diverse group of honorees across various sectors, including business, healthcare and government. The community is invited to join in celebrating Mayor Fette and Karen Zengel at the awards luncheon on June 4. For more information regarding the event or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.nkychamber.com/Events.