About — Mayor Whitfield

Mayor Deborah Whitfield has been tested. She has delivered. And she is ready to keep leading Lawrence forward.

Deborah Whitfield has called Lawrence home for nearly 30 years. She and her late husband raised their children in Lawrence Township Schools, built their lives here, and became part of the community she now has the honor of serving as mayor.

Before entering public office, Deborah spent her career at Community Health Network, first as a respiratory therapist and later as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her work focused on expanding care, improving access, and serving diverse communities across Marion County. That experience shaped her belief that leadership should be practical, compassionate, and focused on results, especially for people and neighborhoods too often left out of major decisions.

Deborah was inspired to run for local office because she believed Lawrence needed leadership that listened, included every neighborhood, and took public service seriously. She was elected to the Lawrence Common Council At-Large in 2019, where she served as Chair of the Public Safety Committee and focused on safer neighborhoods, responsible city services, and stronger community partnerships.

As mayor, Deborah has turned that commitment into action. Under her leadership, Lawrence has made progress on the issues that affect everyday life: public safety, roads, parks, utilities, housing, health, economic development, and city services. Her administration has launched new health and wellness initiatives, strengthened partnerships, supported neighborhood investment, expanded community engagement, and worked to make city government more responsive and accountable to the people it serves. The State of the City materials highlight her administration’s work around Live Longer in Lawrence, public safety, infrastructure improvements, parks upgrades, economic development, and healthier neighborhoods.

Deborah also continues to serve beyond City Hall. She is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Indianapolis, a former member of the Fort Benjamin Harrison YMCA, and a member of The Links, Inc. Her service reflects a lifelong commitment to young people, families, public health, equity, and stronger communities.

Mayor Deborah Whitfield has been tested. She has delivered. And she is ready to keep leading Lawrence forward.