Kurt Wheeler is a lifelong resident of Cazenovia, except for brief periods away to attend college and graduate school and to serve in the Marine Corps. He is a graduate of Cazenovia High School and Harvard University.  Kurt served in the Marines for 30 years and was an award-winning teacher and coach at Cazenovia High School for 28 years. He founded Wheeler Leadership Solutions, LLC in 2024 to mentor and coach businesses and organizations across Central New York. Kurt and his wife, Becky, have raised their four daughters and supported 14 foster children here in the village.

Kurt's local public service began as a member of the Town's Cazenovia Advisory Conservation Commission from 1997 to 2005. He was elected as a Village Trustee in 2005, serving as Commissioner of Streets and Sidewalks and Chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Committee and Zoning Revision Committee. He later became Deputy Mayor and was elected Mayor in 2011. Mayor Wheeler has helped attract more than $50 million in new investment to our community since taking office and has led the effort to redevelop Cazenovia College since its closing was announced in 2022.

Kurt was the lead student advisor and Chairman of Project CAFE for 27 years, and also served as Chairman of the Winter Festival Committee and July 4th Committee. Kurt has been a member of the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (now CazLife) for over 20 years and is also a life member of the American Legion.