Judge/Executive Ralph A. Drees, was sworn in on January 16, 2004 following his appointment by Governor Ernie Fletcher.  Judge Drees was subsequently elected in 2004 to finish an unexpired term and to a full term in 2006.  In the 2004 election Judge Drees became the first Judge in two decades to run unopposed.  He was also unopposed in his race for re-election in 2006.

Judge Drees is the Chairman of the Board of the Drees Company located in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.  The Drees Company, founded by Judge Drees' father, began as a family operated home construction company and today is one of the top 25 homebuilders in the United States with in offices Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and the Metro DC area.

While building one of the nation's largest housing development firms Judge Drees has been active in the business community having previously served as President of the Northern Kentucky Homebuilders, Kentucky Homebuilders and Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Judge Drees was recognized as the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Business Person of the Year in 1999 having previously been recognized as the National Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine  in 1991. In 2000 Judge Drees was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame.

In 1993, Judge Drees was recognized as the Northern Kentuckian of the Year by the Covington Catholic High School Alumni Association.

In addition to his business and community activities Judge Drees is no stranger to public office. Judge Drees served as a member of the Erlanger City Council from 1965-67 and ran for Kenton County Commissioner 1981. Additionally, Judge Drees served for 12 years on the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission and 13 years on the Kenton County Airport Board, including two years as Board Chairman.

Judge Drees and his wife Irmaleen live in Crescent Springs and are the proud parents of five children and have thirteen grand children.