Meet Mayor John Stehr

A neighbor. A community leader. A Mayor focused on Zionsville’s future.

John Stehr wasn’t born in Zionsville, but more than 30 years ago he chose this community as the place where he wanted to build a life and raise a family.

John and his wife, Amy, raised their five children in Zionsville, drawn to the community’s exceptional schools, welcoming neighborhoods, small-town character and quality of life.

For much of that time, Hoosiers knew John as the longtime lead news anchor at WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis. Over a journalism career spanning more than four decades, John covered major events across the country and around the world while remaining deeply connected to the community he called home.

His career earned him multiple Emmy Awards; induction into the Indiana Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame; the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle Lifetime Achievement Award; induction into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame; and the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest civilian honor given by the state of Indiana.

But some of John’s most meaningful experiences happened much closer to home.

While raising his family, John coached youth sports, chaperoned school trips, volunteered in the community and became involved in organizations serving Zionsville and Central Indiana.

After retiring from broadcasting in 2019, John joined the Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation. That service gave him an even closer look at Town government—its challenges, its opportunities and the importance of having a clear, long-term vision for Zionsville.

In 2023, Zionsville voters elected John Mayor.

Since taking office, John and his administration have worked to strengthen the Town’s financial footing, make significant investments in public safety, advance road and trail improvements, adopt a Comprehensive Plan that protects Zionsville’s historic areas, rural heritage, parks and neighborhoods, and strengthen partnerships with communities throughout Central Indiana.

Those efforts have helped create a stronger foundation for Zionsville’s future.

John is seeking a second term because there is more work to do. He believes Zionsville has an opportunity to strengthen its local economy, continue investing in the infrastructure residents and businesses need, and thoughtfully prepare for the future while protecting the character that makes this community unlike any other in Indiana.

For John, the goal remains the same: making sure future generations can love Zionsville every bit as much as those who call it home today.