Stephanie Terry is an American politician and community leader who has served as the 35th mayor of Evansville, Indiana, since January 1, 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, Terry is the first woman and first African American to serve as mayor of Evansville. Before becoming mayor, she served for more than a decade on the Vanderburgh County Council and worked in nonprofit and community leadership positions in Evansville.
Early life and education
Terry was raised in Evansville and attended Benjamin Bosse High School, graduating in 1994.
While at Bosse, Terry participated in a variety of school activities, including athletics and the arts, and held student leadership roles. She was also selected as a homecoming princess. Decades later, Bosse installed a display recognizing Terry following her election as mayor.
Terry continued her education at Kentucky State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. She later received a Master of Health Service Administration degree from the University of Evansville.
Community career
Terry built much of her professional career in nonprofit and community organizations in the Evansville area.
She worked for the Carver Community Organization, an Evansville nonprofit with a history dating to 1944 that provides programs and services for children, families and senior citizens.
Terry eventually became executive director of the Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe), located in Downtown Evansville. She held the position when she announced her campaign for mayor in January 2023.
Her work in the nonprofit sector focused on youth, families, education and community development.
Vanderburgh County Council
Terry entered elected office as a member of the Vanderburgh County Council, eventually serving for more than a decade.
During her time on the council, Terry was involved in decisions concerning county budgets, economic development, infrastructure, public health and social services.
Among the investments Terry supported were funding for expanded broadband access throughout Vanderburgh County, road improvements, nonprofit and arts organizations, COVID-19 testing and improvements addressing overcrowding, mental health and safety at the Vanderburgh County jail.
2023 mayoral campaign
In January 2023, Terry announced that she would run for mayor of Evansville following incumbent Republican mayor Lloyd Winnecke’s decision not to seek a fourth term.
Terry became the only Democratic candidate remaining in the race and advanced to the general election without opposition in the Democratic primary.
The 2023 election was notable because both major-party nominees were women. Terry faced Republican Natalie Rascher and Libertarian Michael Daugherty in the November general election.
During her campaign, Terry emphasized economic development, education, public safety, small businesses, infrastructure, diversity and cooperation between different parts of the community.
On November 7, 2023, Terry was elected mayor with 8,679 votes, defeating Rascher, who received 7,131 votes, and Daugherty, who received 2,032. Her victory made her both the first woman and the first African American elected mayor of Evansville.
Mayor of Evansville
Terry was sworn into office as Evansville’s 35th mayor on January 1, 2024, succeeding Lloyd Winnecke.
Her inauguration was held at Bosse High School, returning Terry to the school from which she had graduated approximately 30 years earlier. Hundreds of people attended the ceremony.
Terry’s election represented a significant change in the history of Evansville city government. Every previous mayor since the city’s first mayoral election in the 19th century had been a man, and no African American had previously held the office.
During her first months in office, Terry’s administration emphasized public safety, infrastructure, parks, economic development and improving city services. Her administration also began examining future development involving the Evansville riverfront and the former Mesker Amphitheatre property.
Terry subsequently introduced a strategic plan for city government developed with community input. Nearly 800 residents, business owners and visitors participated in the survey process used in developing the plan, which focused on government operations, public services, accessibility and responsiveness
Her administration’s later budget priorities included additional road funding, expansion of the METS Micro public transportation program, fire station improvements, housing and public-safety investments, and planning for a new water treatment plant.
Terry continues to serve as mayor of Evansville.