ANKENY, Iowa — The city of Ankeny officially has a new mayor.
The Ankeny City Council voted to appoint Council Member Bobbi Bentz to serve as mayor at its meeting Monday. She was sworn in as mayor immediately after the vote.
"Bobbi is our most tenured Council Member, and has capably served and lead on the Council for over 12 years," said Council Member Kelly Stearns. "Bobbi is deeply involved and connected in Ankeny, and is well respected among other metro communities that we collaborate with on numerous complex issues. Bobbi will be Ankeny's first female mayor, and is the most qualified candidate for the job."
Bentz grew up in Ankeny, graduating from Ankeny High School in 1997. After attending Cornell College and the University of Iowa, Bentz returned to Ankeny, where she now lives with her husband and three kids.
“It’s an honor to serve as Mayor of my hometown,” Bentz said. “After serving 12 years as a council member with the last two as Mayor Pro-Tem, I have gained a deep understanding of our community’s needs and opportunities. I am excited to bring that experience to this new role.”
In addition to serving on the city council, Bentz represents Ankeny on the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Metro Advisory Council and the School/City Committee, according to her profile on the city's website.
Bentz replaces former Mayor Mark Holm, who resigned from his seat in November after he was elected to the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Bentz will complete Holm's term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
The Ankeny City Council will fill Bentz's council seat by appointing a new council member.