Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman is a 4th-generation Normanite with family roots dating back to the early 1900s. His great-grandfather Charlie operated a shoe and saddle shop on East Main Street for decades, and his grandfather Bill worked 42 years at Central State (Griffin) Hospital. Raised by his father Steve, who also worked at Griffin and later ABLE Services, Stephen’s connection to Norman runs deep.

Stephen became engaged in local government as a sixth grader at Irving Middle School, watching City Council meetings on TV and later attending them in person while at Norman High. Inspired by his leadership teacher Mrs. Quinn, he ran for City Council in 2011. Though narrowly defeated, he won the Ward 7 seat in 2013 and served six terms—working alongside four mayors and nearly 40 councilmembers—before being elected Mayor.

Stephen’s priorities include improving stormwater management, water quality, affordable housing, and accessible transportation. A strong advocate for transparency and accountability, he is especially proud of leading the transition of Norman’s public transit system from the University of Oklahoma to City management. This effort secured a dedicated, voter-approved funding source without a tax increase—the first of its kind in Oklahoma.

Stephen and his fiancée, Morgan P. Duke, work in real estate, focusing on the preservation of historic buildings. A longtime supporter of local culture, he helps operate the Friendly Market and works the door at The Deli, Norman’s oldest live music venue.

His public service includes roles on the 2010 Census Committee, 2060 Strategic Water Supply Committee, Center City Visioning Committee, and the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee. He served as Mayor Pro-Tem for three years and currently chairs the Council Community Planning and Transportation Committee.

Stephen has been honored with four Norman Transcript Readers’ Choice “Best Elected Official” awards, Norman NEXT’s 2024 Under 40 Award, and inclusion in the Oklahoma Gazette’s 40 Under 40 list.