Michele Jessee returns as Rowan County Treasurer after brief retirement

Rowan County’s newly appointed treasurer is a familiar face in the community. After some time working for the City of Morehead managing occupational taxes, Michele Jessee has returned to her former position looking after the county’s finances.

Jessee started working for the county at 18 years old. Now 49 with grandchildren, she said the position is all she’s ever known and a home to her.

“I was hired in ’94 by Clyde Thompson and at that time I was a secretary, so be it, I guess. And then I was a finance officer and then in 2000 I was appointed the county treasurer, and I served from 2000 to 2022,” said Jessee.

She said when Judge Executive Harry Clark gave her the call exactly two years from the day of her retirement, she decided it was time to come back and do her part to aid in the county’s upcoming projects.

“So, when I left, they hadn’t started the senior center, they hadn’t started the opioid settlement money, the county park was a thought. So, they’ve been really busy in two years and so I’m just hoping to step back in and serve them to the best of my ability,” said Jesse.

Jesse said she is proud to have served both the city and county.