OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Oklahoma City Community College police corporal Mark Hamm will be sworn in as mayor of Moore, Oklahoma, on April 1.

Hamm, who spent the last 11 years on the Moore city council, will be the city’s first new mayor in 30 years, replacing long-time mayor Glen Lewis, who did not run for re-election this year.

On February 13, voters selected Hamm over Jeff Arvin in the mayoral contest.

Hamm, who had run unopposed for his recent city council elections, said he enjoyed being on the campaign trail for this race, "knocking on doors and meeting residents. It was wonderful to get back out there and talk to the people.”

“I’ve always been interested in politics,” Hamm said, but not at the national level. “I’ve found that it’s your municipal government that most impacts your everyday life.”

Before joining the OCCC Campus Police force, Hamm spent nearly 18 years as a deputy sheriff with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

"My life is one of public service," he said. "I've found joy in getting to serve and help other people.”

But running for public office “isn’t about me,” Hamm said. “It has to be about the city, and what doing what is best for the city of Moore.”

Since his election, Hamm has been meeting with community leaders, asking them what the city can do to help them be successful. “We’re not in competition with each other,” he said. “We want to work together to make our community the best that it can be.”

Next up, Hamm and the city council will go on a planning retreat, he said, to discuss what the citizens want, and “make sure we’re all on the same page. We have a great city council, and they all care about the city. We are looking forward to continuing to make Moore a great place to live and to do great things in our community.”

Infrastructure is one issue that will need attention, Hamm said. “We need to have good roads; we need to have good infrastructure for our water delivery system.”

Hamm has been a member of the Moore community for all of his life. “I live in that community. I’m a part of that community,” he said. “It’s just my home, and I love it and have a passion for it. To get an opportunity to serve as the mayor of my hometown is just an honor, something I’m thrilled to get to do.”

About Oklahoma City Community College

Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer more than 87 degree and certificate programs that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose. Visit us at occc.edu.