Quick Facts
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Jean Stothert (born February 7, 1954) is the 51st and current mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, and is the first woman to hold this office. Stothert was sworn in as Mayor on June 10, 2013.
Early life, education and career
Jean Stothert was born on February 7, 1954, in Wood River, Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Seattle Pacific University. Jean began her career in nursing. Her 12 years as a critical care nurse and nursing manager included serving as head nurse at St. Louis University. She was responsible for her department budgeting, hiring and staff management.
Stothert moved to Omaha in 1992 with her husband, Joseph Stothert, M.D., and their children, Elizabeth and Andrew. Joe is a trauma physician at UNMC.
In 1997, Stothert was elected to Millard Board of Education, elected and re-elected for three terms including 3 years as president of the board, serving until 2009.
Stothert was a Candidate for the Nebraska Unicameral, District 12, in 2006, being defeated by Steve Lathrop by 14 votes (5073 - 5059).
In 2009, Stothert was elected to represent District 5 on the Omaha City Council, defeating Jon Blumenthal 7401 to 4308.
Mayoral Election
On June 29, 2012, Stothert announced her candidacy for Mayor of Omaha. Stothert raised $513,124 for campaign, compared to $804,700 raised by Jim Suttle. Stothert received 32.2% of votes in a primary election of April 2, 2013. She was elected mayor with 57.32% of votes, in May 14, 2013, defeating the incumbent mayor Jim Suttle. She is the first woman to hold this office.