Jessica Rhem joined Knightdale as the Finance Director in September 2025. In this role, she oversees the Town’s financial strategy, budgeting, fiscal planning, and financial reporting to ensure long-term stability and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. She will also facilitate debt administration, financial forecasting, and long-range capital planning.
With more than 11 years of experience in public sector finance, Rhem brings extensive expertise in municipal finance, strategic budgeting, and capital planning. Prior to joining Knightdale, she served as Assistant Finance Director and later Interim Finance Director for the Town of Apex. She has also worked as an Audit Manager for municipalities across North Carolina and as Financial Reporting Manager for the Town of Cary.
Rhem holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in Accounting from DeVry University. She is a Certified Local Government Finance Officer and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
In addition to her professional work, Rhem serves as President of the Black Caucus of the NC Government Finance Officers Association, is a member of the Symposium Planning Committee for the NC Association of CPAs, the NC Department of Revenue’s Change and Control Board, and the NC Vehicle Tax System Budget Committee.