(This story has been updated to add new information and because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.)
NORTH CANTON ‒ Mayor Stephan Wilder will retire July 25 and be replaced by Council President Matthew Stroia under terms of the city charter.
Wilder said in a prepared statement July 22 that his announcement is made with “gratitude and anticipation.”
“Serving the people of North Canton has been an honor,” he said. “I have most appreciated the trust you have placed in me to represent interests and contribute to our community’s progress.”
Wilder told Stroia, Director of Administration Catherine Farina-Molnar and members of council on July 21 to their surprise about his decision. The mayor said it was time for him to retire. He did not give a more specific reason.
Stroia said Wilder, 74, told him his decision over lunch on July 21. The mayor, who had just returned from vacation, remarried last year following his wife’s death in 2023.
“‘I’m ready to enjoy retirement and be done,'” Stroia said Wilder told him.
In response to a phone message seeking comment, Wilder the evening of July 22 sent a text message that said, “The time has arrived for me to enjoy more time with my family, friends and pursue personal interests.”
He thanked the citizens of North Canton for trusting him in the roles of city police chief and mayor. He thanked his family for “their sacrifices and support” of his service to the city.
Matthew Stroia to become North Canton’s mayor
Stroia, 49, whose wife Jessica Stroia is the president of the North Canton City School Board, said he had planned to run for mayor in two years.
Now, he will file with the Stark County Board of Elections by the August 6 deadline to run to be mayor in the Nov. 4 election for the next two-year term starting Dec. 1. He expects Wilder to withdraw his petition to seek re-election.
“I’m honored,” said Stroia. “It’s a bit of a surprise. But I’m more than willing to take on the role and continue the momentum of Steve’s leadership. … I’m going to campaign on my experience. What I’ve brought to the table the last six years (as member of council), how I’ve led over the last four (as council president). How we’ve developed from a reactive type city to a proactive type city.”
Stroia said he plans to retain Farina-Molnar as director of administration and he did not anticipate any major changes from the transition.
“There’s just small things I’d like to improve on. Nothing glaring,” Stroia said without giving specifics.
Council Vice President Stephanie Werren, At Large, will become the council president. Council will appoint a city resident to serve the remainder of Stroia’s term as at-large council member until Nov. 30. A special meeting of council is expected to be convened for the appointment.
Council member John Orr, Ward 4, said Wilder called him July 21 to tell him he was resigning as mayor. Orr said Wilder gave no indication his decision had anything to do with what council had done, disagreements over city policies or anything related to the city government.
Council member Jamie McCleaster, Ward 1, said Wilder also called him July 21. McCleaster recalled when Wilder was the Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer for McCleaster and his classmates when they were in sixth grade.
“I know he’s given a lot of his time and his life to the city,” McCleaster said. “Maybe he was willing to take some time for himself and his family.”
Farina-Molnar also learned the news July 21. Wilder told her he felt the city was in good hands and was running smoothly, so he felt good about stepping down.
She said she asked him if he was leaving when his term ended Nov. 30.
“‘No,'” he said, ‘the end of the week.
Wilder, a former police chief, was first elected mayor in 2019 and went on to serve two additional terms.
He said “an incredibly special initiative” was achieved, with voter support, that will allow for the construction of a new fire station. It was made possible by voter approval of an increase in the city income tax rate from 1.5% to 2% and a grant from the Hoover Foundation. Two property tax levies are being repealed, and a third will be allowed to expire, as the result of the income tax increase.
“During my time in office, achievements have included strengthening our community with economic importance from Walsh University, Diebold-Nixdorf, Meijer, and the surrounding properties, supporting current and attracting dozens of successful small businesses,” Wilder said.
He also pointed to the establishment of an economic development agreement with Jackson Township and support to the North Canton City Schools’ rebuilding of the primary and secondary schools and the new middle school.
North Canton’s Stephan Wilder’s long career
Wilder joined the North Canton city government in 1981 as an auxiliary police officer. He rose through the ranks and, in 2010, was appointed the city’s 10th police chief. He retired from the department in 2017.
“His 36-year career in law enforcement was marked by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” said an announcement about his retirement posted online by the city administration.
A few months after taking office as mayor, Wilder faced the challenge of guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With steady leadership and a deep sense of responsibility, he helped North Canton navigate those difficult years and emerged with a renewed vision for the future,” the announcement from the city administration said. “He went on to leaving a legacy of progress, collaboration, and community connection.”
Wilder plans to remain a North Canton resident, with his wife, and continue his involvement in local civic organizations.
“The City of North Canton expresses its deepest gratitude to Mayor Wilder for his extraordinary contributions,” the statement from the city administration said. “Whether you know him as Officer Wilder from his days as a D.A.R.E. officer, Chief Wilder, Mayor Wilder, or simply as Steve, a neighbor and friend, we thank him for his unwavering dedication and servant’s heart.”
Wilder said he was especially honored for the city to have received the 2025 Distinguished Service Medal from Walsh University.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to my colleagues for their dedication, hard work, collaboration, and shared commitment to the community for all who have been instrumental in these successes,” Wilder said. “In this new phase, I plan to spend more time with family and pursue personal interests. A smooth transition during this time is ensured.”
He said he will work closely with Stroia to facilitate a seamless handover of responsibilities.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for your support as we worked together in helping our community strive to become better and stronger,” Wilder said. “Best wishes are extended to my colleagues and the citizens who I have served. It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of this amazing journey.”
Stroia will take the oath of office as mayor at noon July 25 at City Hall.
(CORRECTION North Canton’s director of administration is Catherine Farina-Molnar. Her name was misspelled when this story first published. 830 p.m. July 23)
Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: North Canton Mayor Stephan Wilder to retire after long career with the city
Reporting by Nancy Molnar and Robert Wang, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
