Jessica Vess

Executive Director, Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community

Native of Maryland

Industry: Non-Profit

Jessica Vess came to Rowan County 17 years ago after living in Maryland, New Jersey, Chapel Hill, and Nashville, TN. In Rowan County, she has found people with a passion to help others. 

“You can see it through the numerous nonprofit organizations that serve needs in the area,” she says.  “Rowan County has heart!”

“The people of Rowan County are what make this place ‘an original,’ ” she says, thinking about Rowan County’s slogan: “Be an Original.”™

Jessica is in her fifth year as Executive Director of Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students in public middle and high schools in Rowan County prepare academically, personally, and financially for college admission and other post-secondary opportunities best suited to a student’s needs, aptitudes and dreams.

She worked as program director for Crosby Scholars before becoming Executive Director. 

She and her husband, Jeremy, moved here in 2005 to be near his family, especially his parents Dan and 

Becki Vess, and to help his dad at Destiny City Church on U.S. 29. Dan Vess is pastor of the church and Jeremy is worship pastor.

Jeremy is a musician, and he and Jessica enjoy the arts community in Rowan County and have participated in local musical venues. In addition to his church duties, Jeremy writes and records music. They met at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, where Jessica earned a degree in Business Administration and then spent time in Nashville where Jeremy developed his musical career. 

Rowan County became home after they felt the call to ministry. “Salisbury is where we are building relationships with people … building roots,” she says. She has found Rowan County affordable and free of traffic problems that she has experienced elsewhere. “I love seeing the beautiful historic homes and walking through the quaint downtown Salisbury area. I appreciate the small town vibe.” 

The family enjoys Bell Tower Green Park. Their daughter, Josie, 5, loves the play area and the water wall. “It’s so nice that it is right downtown,” says Jessica. “You can grab lunch or an ice cream and meet a friend there.”

Sabaidee Thai & Sushi on U.S. 29 is her favorite restaurant. “I love sushi and the owners and staff are amazing. They’ve done a great job with the atmosphere.”

Halloween activities in downtown Salisbury and Trunk or Treat events at churches are her favorite annual event. “We like to get out and get dressed up,” she says. “I enjoy taking our 5-year-old to fun, family community events and public parks.” She is also fond of Krazy Klearance, the annual summer sidewalk sale of Downtown Salisbury Inc.