Jack Turben saluted after concluding 31 years as Kirtland Hills Village mayor | Editorial​

Dec. 15, 2025, marked the end of an era for Kirtland Hills Village government.

That’s when Jack Turben wrapped up 31 years as the village’s mayor, and 40 years of service as an elected government leader in the community.

Turben announced his resignation from the mayoral position at Village Council’s Dec. 15 meeting, The News-Herald’s Bryson Durst reported. Councilwoman Alyson Scott was sworn in as the village’s new mayor, while the village also swore in a new council president, council vice president and police captain.

A village news release said he started as a council member in 1985, served as council president from 1989 to 1994 and became mayor in 1994.

He was the only candidate on the ballot when he won his most recent election in November 2023.

“Throughout his tenure, Mayor Turben has worked to conserve the village’s many resources and has strived to provide its residents excellent municipal services in a fiscally responsible manner,” the village news release said.

“During this time, Mayor Turben was instrumental in the modernization of the village’s government structure with the adoption of a charter form of government, drove the expansion and renovation of village hall without additional taxpayer funding, and led conservation efforts that protected key village-owned properties, preserving the village’s bucolic country setting for generations to come,” the release added.

Turben said that his election to council 40 years ago was an honor.

“Throughout these years, our village has preserved its exceptional quality of life, thanks to the dedication and spirit of the finest residents I have ever known,” he said in the news release. “Our wonderful neighborhood has grown and thrived, yet we’ve proudly preserved our five-acre minimum residential zoning, protecting the character that makes this place so special.”

At the meeting, he described his time in office as a privilege.

“I also think we have the finest police and road departments that I know of, and I think this is about as homogeneous an operation, and no politics going on, and I’ve been very, very proud to be associated with it,” Turben said.

State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, came to surprise and honor Turben. He presented an official commendation signed by himself and Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon.

“We have known each other for a long time,” Cirino said of Turben. “Before I was an elected official, he was already well-ensconced as an elected official. We did a little business together, and your dedication to your community has been outstanding, and to Lake County as well.”

He added that Turben is someone who is beloved by his community.

The village news release also highlighted Turben’s work in the private sector.

“Beyond his public service, Mayor Turben enjoyed a distinguished career in investment banking and private equity, and is considered as a pioneer in the private equity industry,” it said. “He was a founding partner and chairman of Kirtland Capital Partners until his retirement in 2012.”

Turben also led boards at University School and Lake Erie College, the release said.

He was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2025 for meritorious service.

The institution’s website describes him as “a builder of institutions and cultivator of opportunity” and said he has shown “decades long commitment and generosity” to the hall of fame. He is also “a lifelong racquet sports enthusiast.”

Turben said in the news release that he is “delighted to pass the mayoral torch to Alyson Scott.” He added that she “will be supported by an exceptional council and the most dedicated staff of our time.”

As one of her first acts, Scott honored her predecessor by naming him mayor emeritus.

According to the village news release, Scott has served on council since 2017. She is the president of Fredon Corporation in Mentor and leads the Alliance for Working Together Foundation. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology invited her to speak at the symposium and launch event for its Initiative for New Manufacturing in May.

“I am deeply grateful to Jack for the commitment he has shown over the past 30-plus years,” she said in the news release. “Dedication like his has helped shape this village into a community we are proud to represent. I am honored to be named successor to such a great man whom I consider to be both a mentor and a friend.”

Scott’s colleagues on council voted unanimously to name her to council president at the Dec. 15 meeting, placing her next in line to succeed Turben. She served in the role of council president for only a few minutes, before Turben made his expected retirement announcement.

The News-Herald’s believes that Turben had a profound and positive impact on Kirtland Hills Village during his 31 years as mayor. He deserves to be congratulated for his longevity and accomplishments in this leadership position.