New Release

Jeremy Stutsman

GOSHEN — During Goshen’s annual Founder’s Day Celebration, held Wednesday, March 22, Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman announced he was resigning. Stutsman will take over as CEO of LaCasa Inc, a community development organization.

Stutsman, who became Goshen’s youngest mayor in 2016, said this new endeavor “brings together my 18 years of construction and renovation experience, my 22 years of serving on boards and commissions throughout our county, state and nation and my 16 years of elected service.”

“The need for housing in Elkhart County has become obvious over the last several years. As mayor I have seen individuals who need help to get back on their feet. I have also worked with employers and leaders who have had generous hearts and who want to help and empower their employees when they need assistance. The synergy of providing and giving assistance to those who want to work, grow and give back creates a vibrant community.

“Having the opportunity to connect leaders with those in need to grow and build our community is an exciting process. The new job that I will be taking will allow me to actively help those in need within our community and county.”

While it is too late to take Stutsman’s name off the ballot for the May 2 primary, he told the crowd he will be working closely with Goshen’s next mayor to develop a positive transition process. “As we move forward, we will encourage transparency by keeping the community informed of the details surrounding the transition,” Stutsman said.

As an initial step in the transition process, Stutsman will appoint and announce a transition team that will be led by Deputy Mayor Mark Brinson.

“I will also be offering my time, experience and knowledge to help throughout the rest of this year, answering questions of the design and intent of the current city budget, walking beside our new mayor as the projects continue to move forward and helping of work through the process of creating Goshen’s 2024 budget,” Stutsman said.

He continued saying the 276 members of the Goshen City staff “have my heartfelt thanks for all they do to make Goshen a safer and better place to live, they are the heart and soul of our community.”

“I knew I wanted to build Goshen in a way that others would say I left it better and stronger than I received it. I truly hope I have achieved this goal, he said.

Under Stutsman’s leadership, the City of Goshen has received numerous awards, including the Community of the Year Award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in 2017, Green project of the Year by Accelerate Indiana Municipalities in 2018 and the partners for Clean Air Award by Michiana Area Council of Governments in 2021.