John Fender has served as Mayor of the city of Kent since January 1, 1998.  Mayor Fender retired from the Kent City Schools, after serving as principal at Davey Junior High School.

Under the city of Kent's form of government, the Mayor presides at all meetings of the Council but has no voice or vote in its proceedings, except in the event of a tie.  The Mayor does not have any other power to approve or disapprove ordinances or resolutions.

The Mayor is an ex-officio member of all committees created by Council. The Mayor is recognized as head of the City government for all ceremonial purposes and by the Governor for purposes of military law.