Mayor Shawyn

Patterson-Howard Bio

Mayor Shawyn Patterson Howard

Mount Vernon

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard is the 30th Mayor of Mount Vernon, New York—the first woman elected to the office in 2019 and in 2023 the first sitting mayor to be re-elected in 20 years. She has led the city through challenges, including COVID-19, public safety reform, climate change, infrastructure needs, and financial hurdles. She is focused on systemic solutions and equity.

Under her leadership, Mount Vernon has secured over $350 million for infrastructure projects, redeveloped Memorial Stadium, modernized city services, and launched initiatives such as The Wellness Precinct, Youth Diversion and Justice Courts, Guaranteed Income programs, and expanded workforce and youth development opportunities.

Mayor Patterson-Howard has also raised Mount Vernon’s profile nationally and internationally, partnering with Bloomberg, Harvard, the Gates Foundation, and others. She serves in leadership roles with organizations including the African American Mayors Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Everytown’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the EPA Local Government Advisory Committee, and OECD Champion Mayors.

She has been married to her husband, Marvin, for 36 years, and they have one daughter, Nia.