Susan Wahlke was first elected in 2014 to the Lincoln City City Council. She later was elected fulfill the previous mayor's term. In 2022, she was elected to a full 4-year term as Mayor.
Susan is a 30-year resident of north Lincoln County. Born in Tacoma, Washington and having moved to Oregon in the 5th grade, she considers herself a native Pacific Northwesterner. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in Elementary Education, she moved to Stuttgart, Germany where she substitute-taught in Department of Defense Schools. After three years in Europe, she was able to drive cross-country from New Jersey to Oregon, settling again in Eugene. After working in day care centers for a few years, she moved to Portland and began her 30-year career as a legal secretary. She moved to the Lincoln City area in 1992 with her two daughters. She now has four young grandchildren who she spends as much time with as possible.
Soon after moving to Lincoln County, Susan was hired by the City of Lincoln City and worked in the City Attorney's office and also for the Chief of Police. After leaving City employment, she worked for attorneys in Lincoln City until her retirement a few years ago.
Married to a musician, they attend as many live music events as possible.
