PEABODY — For the first time in more than a decade, a woman will lead the City Council as its president, with Ward 3 Councilor Stephanie Peach assuming the post in the first year of her second term on the council.
Peach took over the post from Ward 1 Councilor Craig Welton and is the first woman to assume the presidency since Councilor-at-Large Anne Manning-Martin held the position in 2011. Manning-Martin serves as president pro tempore as the longest-serving member of the council, and chairs meetings when the president is absent.
The council president is largely a ceremonial post, imbued with no greater power than any of the other members of the body. But, they do serve as the leader of the council and run each of its meetings.
A 2007 graduate of Peabody High School, Peach has served on the council since 2022, defeating long-time incumbent James Moutsoulas in the city’s 2021 election. Peach is a 2013 graduate of Westfield State University, where she majored in political science and history. She also obtained a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
In 2016, Peach ran for the state representative seat held by Leah Allen, winning the Republican primary but losing in the general election to Democrat Tom Walsh, who has held the post ever since.
In nominating Peach to take over the presidency, Councilor-at-Large Jon Turco praised her “profound commitment to public service” and tireless work to address community needs.
“Stephanie has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills, actively engaging with diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and advocating for causes that enhance the well-being of our residents,” he said. “Her dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity is evident in her track record of successful initiatives.”
“I’m confident that Stephanie’s vision, coupled with her valuable experience, will make her an outstanding City Council president driving positive change, and ensuring continued prosperity for the city,” Turco continued.
After a unanimous vote from councilors, Peach ceded the podium to Welton, the outgoing president, thanking him for his leadership during what she dubbed a very productive year for councilors.
Welton, in his remarks, said he appreciated the opportunity to serve as council president.
“If I were pressed for what I was most proud of during my tenure as a City Council president, it was being able to efficiently and effectively serve the citizens of Peabody as a council in a civil and collegial manner,” he said. “This council was nothing short of exemplary in moving forward the business of this city in a civil and respectful manner throughout the entire year.”
For her part, Peach said she was honored to serve in the role.
She also reflected on what she considered some of the council’s key accomplishments in 2023 — supporting a pair of land purchases to preserve open space and the application to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for a new high school. Peach also committed the council to completing its review of the city charter in 2024.
“As I look forward to 2024, I am excited and hopeful that we will have an updated and operational charter and a 20-year master plan to end the year,” she said. “I look forward to the vision and the policies that this council puts forward to support the future of our city.”
Peach vowed to be a fair and impartial president and to welcome debate among the body and from residents.
She began to tear up as she thanked her family, taking a pause as the audience filled the Wiggin Auditorium with applause.
“I don’t think talking about my family will ever not be emotional,” Peach, a mother of two, said. “This job is a lot more than you see on TV every two weeks. Without my family’s support, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love, which is serving my community.”
