John Kettering was sworn in as the newest Ross Township commissioner during a brief special meeting of the board on Jan. 13.

He will serve the township’s sixth ward for the remainder of 2025 after former Commissioner Jason Pirring resigned to coach North Hills girls basketball.

Kettering, 36, said he has lived in Ross for three years, though he grew up in the Pittsburgh area and studied at the University of Pittsburgh.

An attorney, Kettering said he felt his legal background might be useful to Ross when the township began accepting applications for the seat in December.

Though he said he wasn’t previously involved in the local government, Kettering said he is “excited for the opportunity” and looking forward to serving the community.

Jessica Crawshaw, the township’s assistant manager, said the board interviewed two candidates but unanimously settled on Kettering.

She said the board will benefit from a “fresh set of eyes,” and she expects Kettering to provide a “young and fresh” perspective.

Pirring congratulated Kettering in a Facebook post and encouraged his former constituents to support his replacement.

“I have no doubt that John will do an incredible job representing our ward and township. He brings fresh energy and ideas that will undoubtedly benefit our community,” Pirring wrote in the post.

Three days into office, Kettering said he is not sure whether he will run to retain his seat after it expires at the end of this year. He said he will make that decision when the time comes. In the meantime, Kettering said he is looking forward to “getting his feet wet.”

“My goal is to help people and problem-solve.” he said.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)