How Mayor Joe Schember transforms Erie during his 2nd Term
Mayor Joe Schember was re-elected in November 2021. He remains committed to his Mission: "Build Opportunity, Restore Hope, Transform Erie" and his Vision: "Erie is a Community of Choice. We celebrate our: 1) Rich Cultural Diversity, 2) Welcoming, Vibrant Neighborhoods, 3) World-class Downtown & Bayfront, 4) Excellent Education for Everyone, 5) Abundance of Family Sustaining Jobs. How will this Mission and Vision move forward? What priorities are set for the next 4 years? How will he deal with challenges and act on the opportunities Erie needs for a prosperous future? Find out from Mayor Joe himself, as he discusses his administration, his team, and his plans for the next four years and beyond.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society – 3207 State St. Erie, Pa 16508.
Date/Time: Friday, May 27 @ 12 p.m.
Admission: FREE or $5 for a boxed lunch. Please RSVP for lunch by noon on May 26.
Parking: lot behind building, State st., French st. 32nd St., 33rd St.
What to bring: Proof of full vaccination (this includes booster shot) and identification. Please read our full Covid-19 policy here (updated April 1, 2022).
Joseph V. Schember was sworn in as the 48th Mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania on January 2, 2018. A lifelong Erie resident, Joe spent High School and the first 2 years of college at St. Mark’s Seminary studying to become a Catholic priest. After deciding against becoming a priest, he completed his undergraduate degree in English at Gannon University. He went on to obtain a Master’s degree in English from the University of Dayton. After teaching at Elk County Christian High School in St. Mary’s, PA for two years, Joe returned to Erie and began a career in banking at Marine Bank, which became PNC Bank. Starting as a teller, he attended classes at Gannon University to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Gannon University.
A dedicated teacher, Joe spent 30 years teaching summer banking classes for the PA Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association at Bucknell, Georgetown, PENN and Penn State Universities. He also used those skills to write and deliver bank training classes, radio and television spots. From teller to regional manager, responsible for all 53 branches in the Northwest PA, his reputation for skilled management grew. His final years with the bank were spent as a Relationship Manager in the Wealth Management Group. What Joe loved about banking is that it is a “people business”. That is why he spent 40 years in various banking roles.
In an effort to give back to the community, Joe served as a member of Erie City Council for 5 ½ years. During this time, he chaired the Finance Committee and was active in guiding decisions that would help the city’s finances. Now, as Mayor, Joe is working hard to Build Opportunity, Restore Hope and Transform Erie for future generations. By listening and collaborating, he is tackling the tough and complex issues facing this city and region. Whether it is through neighborhood meetings, door-to-door visits or professional gatherings, he is meeting with community leaders, educators, life-long residents, transplants, immigrants, refugees and anyone who lives in the Erie Region. Joe is committed to being open, honest, transparent and accessible.
