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A Lifetime of Service
Mayor Joe Yochum is a lifelong resident of southwest Indiana. A proud 1979 graduate of Lincoln High School, he joined the Vincennes Township Fire Department as a volunteer later that year, beginning his commitment to public service at 18 years old.
From Volunteer Firefighter to Community Leader
Joe went on to attend Vincennes University, where he earned an associate degree in business management. He served seven years professionally with the Vincennes Township Fire Department before continuing his career with the Vincennes City Fire Department for more than 25 years, including four years as Fire Chief. Through decades of dedication and leadership as a first responder, Joe built a reputation for steady leadership, hard work and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of his neighbors.
Since first being elected Mayor of Vincennes in 2011, Joe has continued to serve the community he loves. Now in an unprecedented fourth term, he has helped lead major projects that have strengthened Vincennes and improved quality of life for residents, including the Riverwalk, the 2nd Street Project, Rainbow Beach, the Main Street Project, Kimmell Road Extension, several levee certification projects and numerous efforts to bring new businesses and economic opportunities to the city.
Working for Southwest Indiana
Joe’s leadership extends beyond Vincennes. He works closely with the Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Development Board and served on its board for many years. He is currently Treasurer of the Southern Indiana Development Commission Executive Board and is a member of the Accelerated Indiana Municipalities Board of Directors.
With a lifetime of public service in Vincennes and across southwest Indiana, Joe Yochum brings practical experience, trusted leadership and a deep commitment to the region he calls home.
As a state senator, he would bring the same practical, community-first approach that has guided his decades of service as a firefighter, mayor and regional board member. Joe understands the challenges facing local families, workers, businesses and communities, and he would be a steady voice for southwest Indiana at the Statehouse.
Joe and his wife, Susan, are proud to call Vincennes home. Together, they have raised five children and built their lives around family, service and community. Now, with 15 grandchildren - most living in the tri-state area - they remain deeply connected to southwest Indiana.
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