The City of Fort Wright has hired Jill Cain Bailey – again – as its new City Administrative Officer (CAO), returning a respected municipal leader to the organization she previously served for nearly a decade.
The competitive recruitment process attracted roughly 50 applicants. Two rounds of intensive interviews were conducted starting with eight highly qualified initial candidates. A second round of interviews was held with two candidates and included all City Council members as well as the three Fort Wright Department Heads (Police, Fire, and Public Works).
After the second round interviews, Bailey was unanimously recommended by the Mayor, City Council, and the City’s three Department Heads. Her selection reflects the City’s commitment to experienced leadership, operational continuity, and exceptional public service.
Bailey previously served as Fort Wright’s City Administrative Officer from May 2018 through August 2026 and served as Taylor Mill’s City Administrative Officer for approximately 23 years. She brings more than 31 cumulative years of municipal management experience and a well-established reputation for professional leadership, administrative expertise, and dedication to public service.
“Jill’s proven track record of success and familiarity with our organization made her an outstanding candidate,” said Mayor Dave Hatter. “After a very competitive selection process, there was unanimous agreement that she was the right person for this role. Her knowledge of our operations, her commitment to public service, and her proven leadership make her exceptionally well-qualified. We’re excited to welcome her back to Fort Wright.”
As City Administrative Officer, Bailey will oversee the daily operations of the City, provide executive leadership to municipal departments, coordinate implementation of policies and initiatives established by the Mayor and City Council, and help ensure the effective delivery of services to Fort Wright residents and businesses.
While Bailey initially retired after more than three decades in local government, she soon realized how much she missed the opportunities and challenges that come with serving a community.
“Apparently, I’m just not very good at retirement,” Bailey said with a laugh. “After spending more than 31 years in municipal government, I realized how much I missed the people, the challenges, the pace, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day. Public service has always been more than a career to me. It’s something I genuinely enjoy, and I’m excited to return to Fort Wright.”
Bailey added, “I am incredibly grateful to Mayor Hatter, City Council, and the management team for their confidence in me. Fort Wright is a special community with an outstanding team of dedicated employees. I look forward to getting back to work and building on the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together.”
Bailey’s combination of municipal leadership experience, institutional knowledge, and long-standing commitment to public service will help ensure continuity in City operations while supporting the City’s ongoing priorities and initiatives.
“Jill knows our community, understands our priorities, and has demonstrated her commitment to Fort Wright time and again,” Hatter added. “We’re fortunate to welcome her back and look forward to working together as we continue moving the city forward. As a bonus, we are saving roughly $15,000 per year in insurance premiums because her health insurance is covered by CERS. So, we get the same great leadership and commitment at a significantly reduced cost. This is a win for our tax paying residents and businesses.”
Bailey will begin her new role on Wednesday, October 14 and looks forward to continuing her service to the residents, businesses, visitors, and employees of Fort Wright.
City of Fort Wright