Kenton County Treasurer Roy Cox will retire from his role, effective July 1, Cox announced at the Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting Feb. 13. Cox has been the County’s Treasurer since 2012. 

“From day one, Roy has brought stability and leadership to our team,” Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said in a statement. “I can say with absolute confidence Kenton County is in the best financial shape it’s been in for decades, and Roy’s talent and thoughtfulness in all he does is a large part of that success. We’re grateful for his service.”

Kenton County’s commissioners echoed the Judge’s remarks, saying:

Commissioner Beth Sewell:

Roy Cox is one of finest people I have had the pleasure with which to work. Not only does Roy exemplify impeccable integrity, his problem-solving skills helped us push through many a financial challenge which has put the County on a firm foundation for many years to come. We hope his excellent work ethic will release him to find more time to relax on his boat and write more poetry during this next phase of life.

Commissioner Jon Draud:

I have the highest respect for Roy Cox. He has always done a great job for the citizens of Kenton County. My respect extends to his professionalism and his traits as a human being. God bless you and good luck in your retirement.

Commissioner Joe Nienaber:

Roy has had a profound influence on the trajectory of Kenton County for the next several decades. His mastery of the County’s finances, coupled with his honesty and timely advice, has allowed this Fiscal Court to accomplish some pretty phenomenal things with great confidence in the supporting data. He is definitely one of a kind. Oh yeah… he is also one amazing human being.

As Treasurer, Cox is responsible for overseeing the County’s now-$179 million budget; directly managing a team of 13 people; and providing financial counsel to the Fiscal Court. He was instrumental in the recent rebalancing of the County’s finances to reduce Kenton County’s dependence on property taxes. That change has helped the County to lower property-tax rates to their lowest level since 2001 and eliminate the Net Profits Tax.

Prior to joining the Kenton County team, Cox spent more than 30 years within the private sector, serving as director of finance for InterStar North America and manager of accounting for Millennium Petrochemicals among other roles. 

“I would like to thank the members of the Fiscal Court for giving me this opportunity, for the trust they have in me and the support they’ve given,” Cox said in a statement. “They have always treated me with kindness and respect. I would also like to thank my staff for the incredible job they do, as well as our other County departments for helping make this one of the best jobs I have ever had.”

Cox’s early notice of his retirement will give the Fiscal Court the necessary time to find his replacement.