2011 Hofmarschall

Mayor William J. Schmitt

Mayor Bill Schmitt was born and raised in Jasper and has served the citizens of Jasper for almost 44 years.  He started as a Jasper policeman in 1967 and became Police Chief in 1985.  He was elected as the 12th Mayor of Jasper In 1992 and is presently serving his 20th year in office.  He has decided not to seek reelection for another term.   

Mayor Schmitt is involved in many local civic organizations including Optimists, Kiwanis, K of C, and the Moose. In addition he also serves on the Southern Indiana Mayor's Roundtable, Dubois County Area Development Commission (economic development), the Dubois County Solid Waste Board, Community Corrections Board, Vincennes University Jasper Center Advisory Board of Directors, Bliss McKnight Board, ROJAC, Jasper Partnership Commission, the Workforce Investment Board and an active member of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.  

Mayor Schmitt formulated the Jasper Partnership Commission to have a central group who could work directly with Jasper's Sister City, Pfaffenweiler, Germany, to strengthen and preserve Jasper's German Heritage.  He hosts a luncheon with the German Exchange Students who come to Jasper and has twice traveled to Pfaffenweiler for partnership anniversaries.   He has worked closely with former Mayor Fritz Gutgsell and present Mayor Dieter Hahn from Pfaffenweiler to continue the bond between the two communities.    

Mayor Schmitt has received two Sagamore of the Wabash awards from two past Governors, and has also received the Distinguished Service Award for Municipal Leadership in Indiana from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.  In addition, in 2008 he received the Jasper Jaycee's DSA (Distinguished Service Award) for this community involvement and committment to the betterment of the Jasper. He is a very "hands on" mayor and has been instrumental in Jasper's progress.  

Mayor Schmitt and his wife Carolyn have 4 sons and 8 grandchildren.   He is a member of Holy Family Church and his hobbies include golf, horseback riding and cooking.