South Jordan recently elected its first female mayor when Dawn Ramsey beat out Mark Woolley during the November elections. But exactly who is the person to whom the voters entrusted their vastly growing city? 

Dawn Ramsey is among several newly elected mayors across the state who shook up the races this past election. Ramsey wanted the residents of South Jordan to know she is fully committed to spending the time necessary to protect what the city has built and is ready to fight for what is needed to maintain and elevate the quality of life in South Jordan.

“There is great work to be done in our city over the next four years, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of the team,” Ramsey said. “We have a fantastic city council and staff, and I look forward to working together with them.”

Ramsey is currently a full-time volunteer on behalf of public education and represents the parents of the Jordan School District at the regional and state level. She serves on the Utah PTA State Board of Directors and is the region director over 57 schools within the district. 

“I also spend time at the Capitol working with legislators and state organizations advocating for the health, safety and education of our kids, as well as working with local business leaders to secure resources which provide opportunities for children and teachers in our local schools,” Ramsey said. “We obtain money for classroom grants to help our teachers and food for hungry kids by providing Principals Pantries in each of our schools, hygiene kits, coats and Christmas for 150 students.”

Ramsey said she is excited to use her time and leadership experience on behalf of the residents and the city she loves. 

“It is an honor to be elected as our next mayor, and I am committed to working together to keep South Jordan one of the best cities in America to live and raise a family,” Ramsey said. “I will be transitioning out of my PTA role in order to devote my focus to the residents of South Jordan. I am prepared to give my full-time effort to representing and advocating for our city and will not have the distractions or demands of other full-time employment.”

Ramsey grew up in the valley and graduated from Cyprus High School and attended the University of Utah where she danced on the Crimson line and studied elementary education. She recently returned to school to complete a degree in public relations at Brigham Young University. 

Ramsey said her faith and family are the most important things to her, and she and her husband of 25 years, Dan, have lived in South Jordan for almost 14 years with their six children, comprising three girls and three boys. One daughter graduated from BYU and is living in Logan with her husband, who is preparing for medical school; another daughter recently got engaged and is currently completing her degree at BYU. They have a son serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Estonia, a son who is a senior in high school and a younger son and daughter.

“I love meeting people and hearing their stories,” Ramsey said. “I love to sing and am part of a local seven-member women’s a capella performing group. I love running marathons, learning, traveling, cooking and entertaining. I love South Jordan and the wonderful people who live here. I wish to express my sincere gratitude for their confidence in me. Let’s work together and make great things happen over the next four years.”

Ramsey plans to implement a “Walk a Day In My Shoes” program, where she will spend one day each month working alongside one of the city’s employees. 

“My desire is not to be a thorn in their side; rather this job shadow is to understand what it takes to run our city and to ensure we are providing the support necessary for our staff to succeed,” Ramsey said. “I believe our employees have great insight as to what takes place in the city, and I’d love to see what they see.” 

To Ramsey, the voice of the people matters. 

“I want our residents to have the chance to ask questions or share concerns in an informal, personal setting,” she said. “I will have a two-hour block each month dedicated to meeting with residents who wish to come in and visit. Details about making an appointment will be available after I take office. While I cannot promise to fix everything, I can promise to listen, and if there is a solution the city might be able to help with I’ll be happy to point them in the right direction.”