Meet the Mayor
Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Jerry Oberholtzer grew up in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He received a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University in 1981. A year later, he married the former Roxann Hull of Covington Georgia. The following December, the Oberholtzer’s bought their first house off of Skyland Drive in Snellville. 
The Oberholtzer Family would grow in 1985 with the birth of their first son Jerry, in 1987 with their second son Matthew, and finally in 1989 with Paul. All three sons are products of Gwinnett County Public Schools, and all three are Eagle Scouts. Jerry graduated with a degree in Public Administration from Clemson University and works in the metro area in Government Administration. Matthew is a current student at Clemson studying psychology. Paul is in his junior year at North Georgia College & State University studying criminal justice.
As a Senior Civil Engineer for Merrick, Jerry understands the importance of community infrastructure and quality growth. From transportation issues, to sidewalks and storm water drainage, Jerry has the technical experience to understand the problems Snellville is facing as well as the know-how to fix those problems. A couple of the projects Jerry has worked on professionally in Gwinnett County include:
- Redevelopment of Mountain Park Park
- Revised Master Plan of Bethesda Park
- Development of Rabbit Hill Park
- Development of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association infrastructure master plan.
Jerry began his involvement in the community in the early 1990’s. From 1990-1992 he was a member of Snellville’s Growth Strategy Committee. In 1995, he was encouraged to run for city council, but declined to officially enter the race. However, he received write-in votes for the seat. In 1997, Jerry would officially run for council but would lose a close race in a run-off. Two years later, Jerry would receive the highest vote total of any candidate in the 1999 elections and begin his four-year term on council. In the summer 2003, then-mayor Brett Harrell called Jerry and informed of his decision to accept a position with the Evermore Community Improvement District and not seek reelection as mayor. Brett encouraged Jerry to run for mayor and continue the positive progress under their leadership the past four years. During his tenure as a City Council Member and Mayor, he has been at the forefront of developing many new and worthwhile projects in the city. A few of these include:
- The Tree Ordinance requiring more trees and landscaping by developers
- The Lighting Ordinance that keeps the lights of our shopping areas from bleeding into our neighborhoods.
- The New Recycling Center, City Hall and Senior Center.
- New Public Safety and Public Works Facilities currently under construction.
Since the early days of Jerry’s involvement in the community, he has held and currently holds numerous different positions throughout the area. A few of those are..
- Former Treasurer, Gwinnett County Water and Sewer Board
- Former Chairman, Transportation Policy Committee, Georgia Municipal Association
- Current Member, Board of Directors, Georgia Municipal Association
- Current Gwinnett County Representative, Metropolitan Area Mayors Association
- Former Committee Chairman, Sweetwater District (Southern Gwinnett and all of Walton County), Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America