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City Manager

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Michael “Mike” Graese (pronounced Gray-Zee) has served as the City Manager of Ashland, Kentucky since August 2017. 

Mike retired from the U.S. Army in 2017 as a Colonel after 33 total years of service; he began his Army career as a Private in the Kentucky National Guard. He holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and Masters’ Degrees from both Troy State University and the United States Marine Corps War College. His Army career included extensive experience in Air Defense Artillery and installation (city) management. He served as a Garrison Commander (the equivalent of a City Manager) for a total of six years split between Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia and Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He concluded his military career as the Executive Officer (Chief of Staff) to the three star General responsible for policy and resourcing of 156 garrisons worldwide.  He resides in Ashland, Kentucky with his wife Francie, a born and raised native of Ashland, Kentucky. They have three adult children and two daughters-in-law.


Contact Us
citymanager.imageMichael  Graese
City Manager
606-385-3303
mgraese@ashlandky.gov
Contact Us

City of Ashland
1700 Greenup Avenue
4th Floor
Ashland, KY 41101

Office Hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm