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Kathy Keefe Jensen is a small business owner, community leader, mother, and longtime public servant who has dedicated her life to strengthening Fayetteville. She and her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Jensen, shared a journey through military service that took them around the world before returning home to raise their family in the community Kathy has always cherished. Today, they are proud parents of six and grandparents of two, with deep roots in Fayetteville that span generations. Kathy grew up working in her family’s business and carried that entrepreneurial spirit into her own successful venture. In 2005, she opened An Affair to Remember: Prom, Pageant and Formal Wear on Ramsey Street, turning it into one of the region’s most respected boutiques for designer and custom formalwear. She knows firsthand the importance of small businesses to local economies and understands the dedication it takes to serve customers and create jobs in her community. First elected in 2013, Kathy has served on the Fayetteville City Council for over a decade, including two terms as Mayor Pro Tem. Her leadership has helped guide the city through unprecedented growth, and she’s especially proud of her work empowering young people through the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council. Kathy has served on more than a dozen boards and commissions, bringing a thoughtful, collaborative approach to issues ranging from economic development to parks and recreation. Her public service is driven by a deep commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all Fayetteville residents. Whether mentoring student leaders, supporting military families, or expanding broadband and infrastructure, Kathy shows up, listens, and gets to work. Her involvement in organizations like the Junior League of Fayetteville, the Women’s Giving Circle, and the Daughters of Penelope reflects her belief that leadership is about service and lifting others. Kathy is proud to call North Fayetteville home and even prouder to continue serving the community that raised her.

Kathy KEEFE Jensen is a 

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Priorities For Fayetteville

Strengthen Public Safety

Everyone, homeowners, renters and new residents-deserves to live in a city where they feel safe and supported.  That means lacking crime, strengthening community policing and investing in neighborhoods so they're not just livable--but thriving.

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Grow Our Local Economy

As a small business owner, Kathy knows the value of investing in people and place. She’s focused on bringing jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and positioning Fayetteville for smart, strategic growth.

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Promote Quality of Life

Kathy believes every resident should have access to parks, programs, and pathways that improve well-being. From expanded trails to youth leadership opportunities, she’s committed to making Fayetteville a place to live, work, and thrive.

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Past boards And COMMISSIONS

  • 911 Joint Task Force

  • Core Value Awards

  • Cumberland County Civic Center - City Liaison

  • Cumberland County Education Foundation

  • Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Commission

  • Fayetteville Cumberland Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

  • Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation Department Liaison

  • Fayetteville Police Foundation - City Liaison

  • Junior League of Fayetteville Holly Day Fair Chair

  • Methodist University Reeves School of Business Advisory Board

  • Methodist University Visitors Board

  • North Carolina Youth Council (Governor Appointed)

  • PTA: Long Hill, Pine Forest Middle,  Pine Forest High School

  • PWC Liaison

  • PWC Litigation Committee

  • TDA (Tourism Development Authority)

  • Youth Ministry President -Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

CURRENT Boards and Commissions

  • Policy Committee 

  • Fayetteville Cumberland Parks & Recreation Bond Committee- Chair

  • Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council (FCYC)

  • Gateways & Corridors Committee

  • Fayetteville Next

  • NC Military Affairs Commission (Governor Appointed)

  • NC League of Municipalities - Board of Directors Member 

  • FAMPO - Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 

  • Mid-Carolina Regional Council Board Member

  • National League of Municipalities Military Affairs Committee

  • Boards & Commissions- Nominating Committee

  • City-County Liaison - Chair

Kathy Gets it Done

Kathy is proud of her work to make Fayetteville stronger and safer. Since joining the Council, the city has experienced historic growth and investment, including:

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City Council Accomplishment

CBS 17

Fayetteville crime numbers drop to lowest level in 10 years; homicides down nearly 50%, report says

City Council Accomplishment

ABC 11

Fayetteville to build new sports complex through Fort Liberty partnership

City Council Accomplishment

City of Fayetteville

City celebrates National Engineers Week

City Council Accomplishment

CityView

City leaders look to make Fayetteville more attractive with ‘innovation district’

Press

about Kathy's work & campaign

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