I have lived in Newburyport for 45 years. My children were born here. They attended Newburyport public schools, starting at the Brown School, from 1996 to 2011.
For decades I have been active as a citizen advocate for residents concerned about development issues in their neighborhoods. The concerns in many cases were, and still are, preserving the city's historically diverse housing stock. For several years, another concern has been the preservation of long-term housing in the face of the short-term rental industry boom.
For 12 years I worked as a volunteer for the local nonprofit Newburyport Preservation Trust. I served on the Trust's board for eight years and was honored to receive their Preservation Advocacy award in 2023. I am currently a member of the City's Fruit Street Local Historic District Commission.
Newburyport Preservation Trust Awards Ceremony May 2023
I regularly attend meetings of the City Council and its committees. I know what has happened, what is happening, and what is ahead. The growing requests for my newsletter on council happenings demonstrates a need in our community for clear, informed communication.
My professional life has been in market analysis, consulting, and business management. For 15 years I worked for a Dutch multinational company and then for Yankee Group Research in Boston. My career at Yankee Group included positions in international operations and then as Chief Operating Officer. This job took me many places around the world, while Newburyport remained home. England is where I met my husband. With him, in 1993, I founded and managed a software company providing online services to the airline industry.
My understanding of good government -- transparency, honesty, accountability -- was informed by news people.
My mother raised five of us while working for local newspapers. My father was a career Associated Press newsman and executive. He directed the coverage of many big stories including, as Texas Bureau Chief, the assassination of John F. Kennedy. After retiring from the AP, he helped found and ran the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government. Growing up, our dinner table conversations were not about politics, they were about gathering and impartially reporting the news. I continue to believe an honestly informed and engaged public is what we need for good decisions at every level of government.
2011 Boston AP building, Stephanie Niketic & Max Niketic
What Ward 2 Residents Say
"I trust Stephanie to do the job with integrity and professionalism. She is fact-driven and results-driven. She'll work hard to be as informed as possible and won't hesitate to ask the tough questions.” - Kathleen O'Connor Ives
"She communicates openly and honestly. A regular at city meetings, Stephanie takes copious notes and sends thorough informative newsletters to residents who have requested them.” - Diana Kerry
"She is a problem solver and works toward a good outcome for everyone. Her weekly Ward 2 emails are extremely helpful in understanding the issues and keeping residents informed. Her attendance and participation in countless city meetings over many years demonstrates her commitment and hard work in helping Newburyport move forward.” - Thomas Kolterjahn
To see all endorsements please click here.
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