Jean Ann Wright, Mayor of Stilwell, was presented with the 2024 Mayors Council of Oklahoma Mayor of the Year Award for communities with a population less than 5,000 at the Oklahoma Municipal League Annual Conference.

The Mayor of the Year award was first established in 1992 recognizing outstanding mayors who have made significant contributions to their community as well as their profession through personal growth and involvement.

“I am thrilled to name Jean Ann Wright as the Mayor of the Year,” said President of MCO Craig Parham. “Mayor Wright has spent her time in office striving to make her community a better place, and we appreciate her leadership and her service.”

Mike Fina, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League said “Jean Ann Wright is an outstanding leader and very deserving of this award. She has worked to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Stilwell through parks and recreation facilities and by placing an emphasis on community development. We are pleased to present Mayor Wright with this award.”

Wright, a lifelong Stilwell resident, was first elected as City Councilor in 2013 and then was elected Mayor in 2019 and reelected again in 2023. Wright was inspired to follow in the footsteps of her father, Harold Moten,

who served on the City Council and as Mayor. Wright has been married to her husband, Shawn, for 40 years and is the mother of four children and 14 grandchildren.

“Mayor of the Year. Wow! Oklahoma has approximately 525 cities and towns with population of 5000 or less. And the thought that I was chosen as Mayor of the Year by a group of statewide leaders is astounding. This proves to me that Stilwell is going in the right direction and it is becoming known throughout the state.” Wright said. “I’m excited that this will bring more jobs and opportunities to our city. It’s a huge selling point that we are moving and shaking in the right direction. A huge personal honor, but for me more of an honor showing our hard work is paying off for Stilwell.”

The Mayor of the Year award recognizes the dedication and commitment brought to the highest elected post in municipal government. Criteria for consideration requires nominees to be a MCO member and in elected municipal office at the time of the presentation. Additionally, nominees must complete a minimum of three years of service in an elected municipal office and their municipality must be an OML member.

The Oklahoma Municipal League is the authoritative source for information, training, and resources on local government and is recognized as the unified voice of Oklahoma cities and towns.