Stefanie Hawk • President of Council Candidate
Stefanie currently serves as an At-Large council member dedicated to the improvement of the city, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens over partisan considerations. She brings a can-do attitude to the council and creative problem-solving from her background in design.
With over 20 years in the leisure entertainment industry, designing theme parks and waterparks around the world, Stefanie has acquired extensive experience navigating opposing viewpoints, honing the ability to be flexible in approach while ensuring that the outcome not only meets the clients’ needs but also operates efficiently, stays within budget and delivers the best possible experience.
Stefanie is an active member of many of Cheviot’s community groups, but it all started by volunteering with the Harvest Home Fair. Stefanie is now the Fair Association President, Fair Co-Chair and Flower Show Committee Chair and is well known the many Cheviot Civics Groups as someone who loves to help!
Stefanie is running for President of Council to help Shepard the next chapter of Cheviot’s growth and strives to continue the revitalization efforts in our business district!
Gayle Zech • Treasurer Candidate
Gayle is a single mother who has worked in the casino industry for 27 years. After starting out as a front-end cashier she worked her way up to Assistant Shift Manager, worked in accounting as a variance accountant before making the move to Surveillance researching variances and performing investigations.
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She has extensive experience keeping track of money and can count money faster than anyone you know! Gayle also worked for the Federal Reserve in the Cash Department for a while before returning to once again be the “Eye in the Sky” in surveillance at the Hard Rock Casino where she currently works and received the employee of the year award for her department in 2024!
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Gayle hales from a long-time Cheviot family the Zech’s and was encouraged to run for office by her aunt, retired councilwoman Kitty Zech. Like many westsiders, Gayle grew up going to the Harvest Home Parade every year and ALWAYS has her chairs out the week before in designated spot!
Steve Brown • Auditor
In December Cheviot's former Tax Commissioner, Steve Brown was appointed to fill the vacant Auditor's position, and he is running now to fill the remainder of the current term through December 2027.
Steve is a life-long Cheviot resident married to his wife Katie for 46 years and raised his children, Sarah and Steve, here in Cheviot and they have made him the grandfather of five children.
He has been employed by the State of Ohio for 32-years as a Tax Commissioner Auditor Agent/Manager and served as the Tax Commissioner of Cheviot from 2019 – 2024. Steve is committed to the community of Cheviot and will continue to serve us well!
Daniel Morgan • Ward 1 Council Candidate
Dan was the long-time president of the Cheviot Police Association before stepping back last year to be able to focus more attention on his landscape business, although he is still active with the CPA. Dan is a small business owner who is active in the community and helps run the CPA Easter Egg Hunt and Spooktacular each year.​
Ward 2 Council Candidates
There is only (1) Ward 2 Council Seat, but TWO great candidates to choose from!! You can read about them here, and if you're in the second ward, you'll problem be visited by them during campaign season this fall! Get to know these great gentlemen because ONE of them will be your next representative on Cheviot's City Council!
Charles "Chris" Watt • Ward 2 Council Candidate
Chris is originally from Chicago and moved to Cheviot with his family 13 years ago, on the day his youngest child was born. Chris is active in the community as a music educator, small business consultant and youth mentor.
Chris Watt is an award-winning music composer who has scored content for NBC, Amazon Video, VHI, Meta, Tubi and others. He is a Full Sail University alumnus, founder of Vision House Studios, Music program Director at the YMCA’s Music Resource Center and Music Professor Xavier University.
For the last two years Chris has been a Grantor for the Ohio Art Council. He is also a Cheviot small business owner as the proprietor of Digital Media, is a Podcast host, a post production engineer, DJ and Live Sound Engineer.
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Chris is looking to take the next steps of community involvement by running for city council and hopes to serve Ward 2 next year on council.
Alan Walke • Ward 2 Council Candidate
Alan, his wife and young kids live near the Cheviot School and Alan is getting involved to help guide progress in Cheviot. Alan manages three Nation Restaurants, so between restaurant life and young children, Alan's a busy guy!
Eileen Borgmann • Ward 3 Candidate
Eileen is the former owner of Dean Hops & Vine and was a partner in Fogarty's Irish Pub for 10 years. She currently works for H&R Block managing three locations. Eileen is very active in the community; she led the Cheviot Business Alliance's event planning committee for the last two years and was the Secretary for the CWCA (a precursor to the CBA) for five years. She also runs the Kitchen Committee for the Harvest Home Fair and has greatly improved their efficiency since joining the Fair Association.
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Hugo Petermann • Ward 4 Candidate
Hugo Petermann is a relatively new but proud member of the Cheviot community, bringing with him a strong sense of service and dedication. Having grown up in a military family—with his father in the Navy—and serving nine years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force himself, Hugo has lived in many places across the country. Now, he’s chosen Cheviot as the place to put down roots and build a future.
Currently serving in the Air Force Reserve and working as a Production Planner at a corporate headquarters, Hugo stays busy and engaged. With his military retirement approaching in December 2025, he’s ready to invest his time and energy into giving back to the community he now calls home.
Hugo is running for Cheviot City Council, Ward 4, with a commitment to service, accountability, and community growth. He’s eager to listen, learn, and lead—bringing a fresh perspective and a strong work ethic to local government.