diana k. nelson, cpa
mayor

Term ends: November 2025
6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd, 45040
513.229.8500

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Mayor Diana K. Nelson was re-elected to Council in November 2023. Mayor Nelson was previously appointed to Mason City Council in January 2016, November 2017, and November 2021.

Diana is a CPA with a Master’s Degree in Taxation from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas. She has also completed a Comparative Tax Policy and Administration program from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government. She began an accounting practice in Texas in 1998. In 1999 she moved to Mason and continues her practice on a part-time basis. Currently, she serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Selection.com, a national background check company, a position she has held since 2010.

Diana is a strong advocate for taxpayer rights and has traveled globally to learn and fight for a fair and just tax system. In 2016, she was appointed by the Treasury of the United States to serve a 3-year term on a Federal Advisory Board as the only taxpayer advocate panel member to represent Ohio. She identifies taxpayer issues on a systemic level and works with the IRS to implement change.

Diana Nelson served as a board member of the Ohio Municipal League (OML). The OML represents Mason and other cities before the Ohio General Assembly and state elected offices. They are the liaison between the state and municipalities. She currently serves on the Tax Committee. Diana Nelson is also the President for the Warren County Municipal League and the Vice-Chair for the National League of Cities Small Cities Council.

Ms. Nelson is also the treasurer for the non-profit charity Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation; a nonprofit charity that provides an exciting combination of activities meant to enrich the lives of our active-duty and veteran men and women injured in combat deployments abroad. Diana is a former Sunday school teacher at Heritage Presbyterian Church. She also served on the Middletown Airport Finance Committee from 2011-2018.

Diana is a widow with three children Victoria Nelson, Alexa Nelson and Bella Nelson and one grandchild.

“My parents instilled in me the importance of faith, family and community from a very early age. Their words still ring in my ears. It is no accident that I have chosen Mason as the place where I want to raise my family. And when someone finds a place this special, they can’t help but to be inspired by a strong desire to give back to the community and to do what is right by family, friends, and neighbors. Mason is my home and it will always have my heart.”

council committees:
Economic Development · Chair
Downtown
Arts & Culture · Chair
Small Business · Chair

board representation:
Planning Commission
Warren County Municipal League

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ashley chance
vice mayor

Term ends: November 2025
135 Mason Road, Mason, 45040
513.229.8500

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Vice Mayor Ashley Chance was re-elected to Council in November 2023. Council member Chance was previously appointed to Council in September 2015, November 2017, and November 2021.

Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University. Professionally, Ashley’s entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to spearhead the successful startup of three companies. He currently is a partner at two Mason based companies – Chance Development and Eco Development Group.

Ashley is the Co-founder of A New Chance Foundation. A New Chance Foundation has been helping children who have disabilities live more independently by providing them with much-needed mobility equipment, minor home modifications, and therapies that are not covered by insurance.

Ashley, a 37 year resident of Mason, is married to Beth. They have three children; Samantha, Austin, and Avery. Ashley attends Crossroads church and is involved with the Dragon Fly Foundation. His hobbies include golf, outdoor activities, sports and community.

“I am very excited to be serving Mason- a community my family and I love. Mason has experienced dramatic change over the years that has improved our quality of life. I look forward to building on that foundation to create an even better future” said Ashley Chance.

council committees:
Economic Development
Finance
Downtown
Golf Course · Chair
board representation:
Veterans Board

mark haake
council member

Term ends: November 2025
3620 Dunlop Court, Mason, 45040
513.229.8500

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Council member Mark Haake was elected to Council on November 2, 2021.

Mark holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from Regis University in Computer Science. Mark also studied fuel technology at the Community College of the Air Force.

Mark has been a resident of Mason for 21 years.  Mark and his wife Nicole were married in England and have been married 33 years.  They have three children; Amanda, Amy and Ayden and one grandchild.

His hobbies include traveling and skiing.  Mark serves as a member of Kiwanis and the American Legion.

“I ran for Mason City Council because I believe people who want change should not just criticize others but do what may be needed to bring about that change. I am proud to have been elected to serve the residents of Mason.  And, while this is my first time to enter politics I promise to learn, grow, and lead by listening to my constituents and making decisions that are in the best interests of the entire community.”

council committees:
Economic Development
Downtown · Chair
Arts & Culture
Small Business

board representation:
Planning Commission
Veterans Board

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barbara spaeth
council member

Term ends: November 2025
6000 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, 45040
513.229.8500

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Barbara Spaeth was re-elected in November 2021 to her third term on Council. Barbara served as Mayor from 2021 – 2023. Barbara previously served on Council from 2011-2019 and as Vice Mayor from 2015-2019.

Barbara grew up in the “Village of Mason” until it became a City and then her home resided in Deerfield Township.  She graduated from William Mason High School in 1978.  Barbara left Mason for 20 years and during that time, she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work.  She worked as a social worker for 25 years working in domestic violence and child abuse and neglect. Barbara trained foster and adoptive parents, worked as a caseworker with children in foster care and as a special needs adoption specialist and victim’s advocate.  For Barbara, helping create strong families has been the core of her work.

Barbara returned to Mason in 1999 to raise her daughter.  She retired in 2005 to spend more time with her daughter, which led her to become a room mother, PTO committee member, PTO board member, and Brownie Girl Scout troop leader, while working part time for Mason City Schools Child Nutrition Department.  Barbara now serves on the Mary Ann Klingling Advisory Board and is a member of Mason Kiwanis.

Barbara’s family includes her husband, John, who is also a Mason graduate. They have four children, Rebecca, Dan, Brittany, and Victoria;  sons-in-law Chris, Parmdeep and Sean; daughter-in-law Amber; and six grandchildren.

Barbara considers herself a public servant and not a politician.  She is passionate about working to make Mason a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  She knows we can have a Council who can work together for the best interests of everyone who live in Mason.  Barbara feels, “We must get back to doing the work of the City.  Let’s keep Mason More Than You Imagine.”

council committees:
Employee Relations
Safety · Chair
Golf Course
Rules · Chair

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josh styrcula
council member

Term ends: November 2027
6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd, 45040
513.229.8510

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Council member Joshua Styrcula was elected to Council in November 2019 to his first term in public office and was re-elected in 2023 for his second term. Josh is a Certified Financial Planner ™ Practitioner and a Certified Investment Management Analyst℠ designee. Josh is the owner of Assurgent Wealth Management, a boutique financial planning firm focused on improving clients’ lives by providing strategic, innovative and highlight customized holistic advice.

Josh served in the Ohio Army National guard for nine years. He was deployed overseas twice and provided relief during Hurricane Katrina. While serving, he graduated from Wright State University where he majored in financial services. In 2012 Josh co-founded Young Professionals at Austin Landing, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing young professionals. He was recognized as one of Dayton’s Top 40 under 40 in 2013.

Josh was a volunteer recreational basketball coach for three years from 2011-2013. He continues to volunteer his time as a basketball coach for his youngest two sons. He also started a program at his oldest son’s middle school to help dads get more involved with their kids. Josh has been an active member of the Mason Kiwanis Club since 2018 where he recently had the opportunity to serve as their president from 2022 – 2023. Josh is actively involved at church teaching 5^th and 6^th grade students on Sunday mornings.

Josh is married to Holly and they have three sons; Devon, Camden, and Brycen. Josh enjoys spending time with his family in various activities. They enjoy almost anything outdoors, camping, hiking, running, and on the rare occasion playing golf.

“I appreciate the support of the Mason community.  I look forward to working cohesively with my fellow Council members to build upon the foundation of success in creating a culture of wellness in the community” said Council member Styrcula.

council committees:
Employee Relations
Finance · Chair
Safety
Golf Course

board representation:
Veterans Board

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joy bennett
council member

Term ends: November 2027
6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd, 45040
513.229.8510

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Council member Joy Bennett was elected to her first term on Mason City Council on November 7, 2023.

Joy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Writing along with two minors in Honors and Bible from Cedarville University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Joy is the owner and chief strategist for Jumpstart Marketing, which has offered fractional marketing and brand strategy since 2011. Prior to starting Jumpstart Marketing, Joy led the Family Advisory Council at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital from 2006 – 2011, which has served as an important component to the hospital’s decision-making process by incorporating the thoughts and opinions of its families.

Joy is a member of the Mason Kiwanis Club and volunteers with Mason High School’s choir and band.  In her free time, Joy is an avid reader and enjoys music, gardening, knitting, and quilting.

“I am proud of my work leading key referendum initiatives that are important to the community.  I look forward to working with Council members in continuing Mason’s momentum as a premier community”

Joy has been married to her husband, Scott, for 25 years and the couple has four children – Elli, Sam, Anna and Luke. Joy and Scott’s daughter, Elli, was born with five congenital heart defects, suffered a brain injury and experienced four open heart surgeries in her first three years of life. Elli sadly passed away at the age of eight. Joy and her family spend quality time together enjoying the arts.

council committees:
Public Services · Chair
Arts & Culture
Rules
Small Business

board representation:
OKI

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scott gibson
council member

Term ends: November 2027
6000 Mason-Montgomery Rd, 45040
513.229.8510

[email protected]
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Council member Scott Gibson is serving his first term on Mason City Council and was elected to Council on November 7, 2023.

Scott received his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and currently serves as the Executive Director at the Kenwood by Senior Star, providing the highest quality of services and amenities with continuum care to seniors.  Scott is the Founder/President of Shine Like Sable, a foundation established in honor of Scott’s daughter, Sable, who suddenly passed away in 2019. Shine Like Sable provides the Gibson family with the opportunity to carry on her legacy and kindness.

Scott and his wife Holly have 6 children – Cross, Sage, Sailor, Crayton, Crew and Sable. In his free time, you can find Scott spending quality time with his family and friends or serving the community at Rivers Crossing Church, Joshua’s Place or within the Mason City School District. Scott enjoys running and biking.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a community that has demonstrated such compassion and kindness for others.  I will work to continue to strengthen that caring community spirit that is the foundation for why we choose to call Mason home.”

council committees:
Employee Relations · Chair
Finance

Public Services
Safety
Rules