COVINGTON, Ky. – The City of Covington is excited to announce the appointment of two experienced leaders to key positions within the City, following approval by the Board of Commissioners during its Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.
The appointees – John Sadosky and Michael “Spike” Jones – are familiar faces who bring significant professional experience, institutional knowledge of Covington, and a strong commitment to public service to their respective roles.
“These appointments strengthen our leadership team with people who understand Covington and understand that our work ultimately comes down to serving our residents,” Mayor Ron Washington said. “John and Spike each bring a unique set of experiences and skills to these positions, and I am confident they will help us continue moving Covington forward.”
John Sadosky – Economic Development Director
The Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of John Sadosky as Economic Development Director, moving him from his previous role as Acting Economic Development Director.
Sadosky joined the City's Economic Development Division in 2024 as Assistant Director. He brought significant experience in economic development, real estate development, public-private partnerships, development finance, and site selection.
Before joining Covington, Sadosky held economic development positions across the public and private sectors at the City of LaGrange, Georgia; REDI Cincinnati; the City of Cincinnati; Ernst & Young; and Project Management Consultants.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy from Georgia State University. Since joining Covington, he has played an important role in supporting business retention, attracting investment, underwriting development projects, and helping oversee the proposal process for the Covington Central Riverfront.
Sadosky understands that economic development is about more than individual projects. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting businesses, attracting investment, and making responsible decisions with taxpayer resources.
"Covington is a remarkable city with a rich history and strong sense of place,” Sadosky said. “My goal is to preserve and celebrate the things that make it unique while working to create new opportunities for jobs, housing, and vibrant neighborhoods."
His experience and understanding of Covington will be valuable as the City continues working to support its small business community while also attracting responsible investment.
Michael “Spike” Jones – Assistant City Manager
The Board of Commissioners also approved the appointment of Michael “Spike” Jones as Assistant City Manager.
Jones is no stranger to Covington. He is a former Chief of the Covington Police Department, the current Chief of the Kenton County Police Department, and a longtime Covington resident.
He brings decades of leadership experience in public safety and government administration. His career has required him to manage personnel, budgets, organizational operations, strategic planning, community relationships, and complex issues affecting local government.
Jones' leadership experience extends beyond Northern Kentucky. He served as President of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police from 2012 through 2014, leading an organization representing more than 11,000 sworn law enforcement officers across Kentucky. That experience provided him with a statewide perspective on leadership, employee relations, government, and public policy.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership and Organizational Change from Northern Kentucky University.
“It is an honor to be considered for the position of Assistant City Manager with the City of Covington,” Jones said. “Covington has been my lifetime home, and I am thrilled to be a small part of its future.”
Bringing Jones back to the City in this new role will provide Covington with an experienced executive who understands the community and the importance of supporting the employees who provide services to residents every day.
Together, the appointments represent an investment in the City's leadership team at an important time for Covington.