Meet Stephanie

Stephanie Piko is a dedicated public servant with over two decades of experience in local government and community leadership. As the current Mayor of Centennial, Colorado, she brings a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to complex policy challenges.

During her tenure, Centennial has consistently ranked among the top mid-sized cities in the nation for safety, livability, and fiscal health. National recognitions include being named the #1 Safest City in America with a population over 100,000 and placing in the top ten on multiple rankings for best cities to live, work, and rent. In 2025, Centennial was ranked as #1 Best Place to Live in Colorado ranking by U.S. News & World Report. These accolades reflect Stephanie’s unwavering commitment to building a secure, thriving, well-managed city.

Under Stephanie’s leadership, Centennial has strengthened law enforcement partnerships and expanded community safety programs, including the addition of School Resource Officers. She also initiated and secured funding for the city’s first Homelessness Coordinator, ensuring residents in crisis have access to critical resources and support. These efforts have helped earn Centennial national recognition as one of the safest and most livable cities in America.

Drawing on 10 years as a technology instructor in the Cherry Creek School District, she is deeply committed to creating educational and career pathways for youth. She has championed the Cherry Creek Innovation and Littleton EPIC Campuses, connecting students with internships and apprenticeships to help shape the region’s future workforce.

One of her most impactful initiatives was helping bring professional women’s sports to Centennial through a partnership with Cherry Creek Schools and Denver NWSL, securing a performance center and temporary stadium and strengthening the city’s role in youth and sports engagement.

As founding President of the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation, she led the city’s first mural project and continues to advance local arts through community-driven initiatives. She also founded the Centennial Faith Council to connect residents with support systems and strengthen ties across faith-based and civic organizations.

Mayor Piko’s leadership extends well beyond the boundaries of Centennial, where she has distinguished herself as a key figure on regional, state, and national boards and committees. Her involvement spans a broad range of critical areas, including transportation, economic development, flood management, and community health, showcasing her ability to engage in complex, multi-disciplinary discussions. As a board member for organizations such as the National League of Cities and Mile High Flood District, and as a leader in initiatives like the Arapahoe County Collaborative Transportation Forum and Regional Opioid Abatement Council, she has consistently worked to bridge local priorities with state and national agendas. This extensive network of leadership roles highlights her as not only a local champion but also a national thought leader, uniquely positioned to advocate for Centennial’s interests while driving innovative solutions that impact communities across the country.

Stephanie and her husband, James, moved to Centennial in 2001 to raise their two sons, Austin and Conner. She quickly became involved in her neighborhood and local schools, driven by a desire to serve and strengthen the community. The Pikos enjoy spending time in the Colorado outdoors skiing, hiking, and fishing. Her personal investment in Centennial runs deep, and her leadership reflects both professional dedication and heartfelt commitment to the place she calls home.