Vanessa S. Grossl is a Republican member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing District 88 , serving since January 2025. Born February 22, 1980, in Eastern Kentucky to a public school teacher and diesel mechanic, she grew up in a working-class Appalachian family affected by opioid addiction and mental health challenges. A software sales executive focused on digital wallet platforms for public funds, she emphasizes transparency, accountability, and community building. With her husband, Cameron—an engineer, pilot, and aircraft mechanic—she runs Grossl Aviation. Grossl is Christian, resides in Georgetown, and is active in community service, including Rotary International, Daughters of the American Revolution , Junior League of Lexington , Woman's Club of the Commonwealth , and Japan America Society of Kentucky .

Notable achievements include defeating Democratic incumbent Cherlynn Stevenson in the 2024 election , earning the 2013 Kentucky World Languages Association Outstanding New World Languages Teacher of the Year Award, and co-leading the 2021-2022 Healthy States National Task Force at the Council of State Governments .

Education and Political Experience

Education: BA from the University of Louisville; MA from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce; pursuing a PhD at the University of Kentucky.

Political Experience: Elected to Kentucky House District 88 in 2024. Previously worked in Lexington local government, opening the city’s first international center and managing community outreach. At CSG National Headquarters, handled portfolios in education, workforce, finance, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, tech, privacy, and cybersecurity; promoted to Advancement Manager. Taught for nearly a decade, including four years with Fayette County Public Schools, and served on the Kentucky Department of Education’s School Guidelines and Profiles Committee in 2018. Leadership Lexington alumnus; boards of Blue Grass Community Foundation and Japan America Society of Kentucky.