Meet Jenn Leclaire:
Your Candidate for City Council

I’m excited to meet many of you as I campaign to serve you on Bellbrook City Council!  In the meantime, I’d love to introduce myself and share why I’m running.

My roots are in Kentucky.   I was born and raised in the small town (pop. 500) of Crittenden.  My dad was the town’s Rural Letter Carrier and a farmer, and through him I learned lessons of service and hard work.  My mom was creative and supportive of me as their only child.  Our little  community was my world, and our large garden was shared with our neighbors and those in need.  My faith was formed at the Crittenden Christian Church, where everyone is welcomed.  It’s still my spiritual home.

Earning my B.S. in Agriculture at the University of Kentucky, I became the first in my family to graduate from college.  After graduation, I moved to Silicon Valley and began a 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, eventually retiring as a biotech sales trainer. I created training programs that balanced the needs of legal, sales, and marketing teams—always with a focus on collaboration and shared success.

My life also brought unexpected challenges. When I was 32, my husband died in a tragic accident. With the help of a strong community of friends, I found the courage to rebuild my life, leaning on the same commitment to hard work, resilience, and teamwork that had shaped me from childhood.

I moved back to Kentucky in 2016 to care for my aging parents, determined to give them the dignity and support they deserved.  I joined the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association and was elected as the first-ever marketing and publicity chair on the state board.  

At the age of 60, the most miraculous thing happened:  I met and married my husband Matthew, and moved to Bellbrook!  His loving support helped me through the passing of my parents last year.  He enjoys building teams and making connections both at work and in his hobbies.  We have Dragons baseball season tickets and enjoy local festivals and the dining scene.

My own hobbies include both comedy and crochet.  I took improv comedy classes and learned one of my best life lessons:   “Yes, and” is a core principle in improv that promotes acceptance, collaboration, and creative momentum.  In my 7 years as a Toastmasters member, I often used humor as a topic.  Continuing with comedy today, I’m orchestrating Bellbrook’s second annual FunnyFest.  

I’ve been crocheting for over 50 years.  Many assume it’s a solo undertaking, but I’ve loved the community aspect.  I created a donation project and delivered 70 crocheted blankets to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville. I also planned a retreat for 100, started a local crochet guild chapter, became a certified teacher for adults and children, and served on the board of the Crochet Guild of America. Crochet is also wonderful for both relaxing and cognitive skills.

In sharing a few highlights of my 64 years, I hope you can start to see why I’m drawn to public service.  Helping people, building teams, and following through on commitments have all been themes in my life. Now I want to connect the past to today, take the next step and do all that – and more – for our hometown right here in Bellbrook.  

Jenn