Lloyd Winnecke

Lloyd Winnecke (born June 6, 1960) is an American businessman, former television journalist and politician who served as the 34th mayor of Evansville, Indiana, from 2012 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Winnecke was elected to three consecutive terms and previously served on the Vanderburgh County Council and Vanderburgh County Commission.

Early life and career

Winnecke was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, growing up on the city’s north side. He attended Central High School and graduated from the University of Evansville in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in communication.

Before entering full-time public service, Winnecke spent approximately 17 years working in television news, including serving as news director at WEHT-TV. He later entered corporate communications and banking and served as senior vice president and marketing director for Fifth Third Bank.

Winnecke also became active in Vanderburgh County government. He served nine years on the Vanderburgh County Council, including three years as council president and one year as finance chairman. In 2008, he was elected to the Vanderburgh County Commission and later served as its president.

Mayor of Evansville

Winnecke ran for mayor of Evansville in 2011, after Democratic incumbent Jonathan Weinzapfel announced that he would not seek a third term. Winnecke won the Republican nomination and faced Democrat Rick Davis in the general election.

On November 8, 2011, Winnecke defeated Davis with approximately 54 percent of the vote. He took office on January 1, 2012, succeeding Weinzapfel.

During his administration, Evansville undertook a number of major development and infrastructure projects. These included the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences in Downtown Evansville, the Deaconess Aquatic Center, improvements to Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, and transportation projects involving the Lloyd Expressway and U.S. 41.

The Downtown medical campus became one of the largest development projects of Winnecke’s administration. The project brought programs from the Indiana University School of Medicine, University of Evansville and University of Southern Indiana together in Downtown Evansville.

Winnecke’s administration also established Clean Evansville, a volunteer program organizing monthly litter-removal efforts throughout the city.

Reelection

Winnecke sought a second term in 2015, facing Democratic state representative Gail Riecken. He won reelection with approximately 65 percent of the vote.

In 2019, Winnecke sought a third term. For the first time in decades, the Democratic Party did not field a candidate for Evansville mayor. Winnecke defeated independent candidate Steve Ary and Libertarian Bart Gadau, receiving more than 80 percent of the vote. His victory made him the fourth Evansville mayor to be elected to a third term.

Winnecke announced that he would not seek a fourth term in 2023. He completed his twelve years as mayor on December 31, 2023, and was succeeded by Democrat Stephanie Terry.

Later career

In 2023, the University of Evansville awarded Winnecke its Presidential Medal of Honor in recognition of his contributions to the Evansville community.

Following his departure from the mayor’s office, Winnecke became president and chief executive officer of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP), continuing his involvement in economic and regional development in southwestern Indiana.

Personal life

Winnecke is married to Carolyn “Carol” McClintock and has one daughter. He has continued to reside in Evansville following his tenure as mayor.