The Mayors Association of Ohio’s new President Ben Stahler, left, shakes hands with Mayor John Thebout (Batavia), outgoing president, at the Mayors Association of Ohio Annual Conference. Also looking on is Kent Scarrett, Ohio Municipal League executive director. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
DUBLIN — Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler has been named president of the Mayors Association of Ohio.
The change in leadership took place at the Mayors Association of Ohio Annual Conference, a two-day event held by the Ohio Municipal League, June 21-22, at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin.
The Mayors Association of Ohio was created in 1980 as a subsidiary of the Ohio Municipal League to focus on the improvement of municipal government and administration from the unique perspective of mayors.
In his new role, Stahler will lead the association and its executive committee to ensure it continues to meet the needs of Ohio’s city and village mayors — providing them resources, training and the opportunity for peer-to-peer collaboration.
“Serving as the mayor of Bellefontaine has been one of the highlights of my life,” Stahler said. “I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with other mayors from throughout the state as president of the Mayors Association, and I’m sure I’lI continue to learn from my fellow mayors as well.”
Mayor Stahler has served as Bellefontaine mayor since originally being appointed in
2014. In addition to his many community activities, he has been chairman of the Logan County Mayors Association since 2014 and is on Gov. DeWine’s Task Force on Volunteer Fire Service. He is also a licensed pharmacist.
Stahler follows John Thebout, mayor of the Village of Batavia, as president. The position changes hands on an annual basis.
In addition to the annual conference, the mayors meet periodically throughout the year.
The Ohio Municipal League serves as the primary connection point between municipal and state government in Ohio, representing the interests of cities and villages to state lawmakers and the governor’s administration.
OML advocates for its member municipalities, inspires and informs on best practices, and works alongside government, business, non-profit and educational leaders.