Councilwoman Jennifer Mincey Stepp is a lifelong resident of Gastonia and a dedicated public servant. A 1982 honor graduate of Hunter Huss High School, she earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Gardner Webb University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1986. Jennifer has a rich history in education, having taught in both Gaston County Schools and Gaston Christian School. Her passion for teaching extended to tutoring and co-op instruction, as well as coordinating summer programs for the City of Gastonia’s Recreation Department, serving on the Board of Directors of a local charter school, and being selected as member of the Hunt Institutes' Educational Cohort. She also coached girls' basketball and softball, fostering young athletes' growth.
Jennifer’s community involvement spans many years and sectors. She is an advocate for the arts, a role shaped by her experiences as a performer as well as a dance and theater mom. She continues her support of the local theater as a performer and music director but more often working behind the scenes. Additionally, her leadership in music ministry includes serving as Minister of Music at Temple Baptist Church and various music leadership roles at Calvary Baptist Church, where she was also the church media specialist. Jennifer is a proponent of recreation opportunities for our residents, which stems from her love for sports as an athlete, coach, and gymnastics mom. She enjoys participating in activities with our senior athletes including the Senior Games. Her favorite activities are pickleball, golf, skiing, and hiking. Jennifer is also an advocate for foster care and adoption and serves as a mentor for Village 127. She also continues to serve on the Gaston-Lincoln-Cleveland Continuum of Care Planning Board.
Jennifer has served on numerous committees within the City Council since being elected in 2017, including as Chair of the Arts, Personnel, and Transportation Committees, and is involved in regional governance as Vice Chair of the Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization. Her civic engagement includes positions with the North Carolina League of Municipalities on the Legislative Policy Committee and Centralina Council of Government, among others.
Jennifer’s commitment to the community is reflected in her affiliations with organizations such as the Little Theater of Gastonia, the Gastonia Historic District Commission, Gaston County Family Advisory Committee, and various charitable and civic initiatives. She has been a steadfast advocate for fair elections and depolarizing efforts through her work with The Carter Center and Braver Angels.
Married to Kevin Stepp for 38 years, Jennifer is a proud mother of five children—Lauren, Patrick, Blair, Joseph, and Julia—and grandmother to Ariana, Roen, and Emerson. She is also dog mom to Sadie and Leia. The family is active members of First ARP Church in Gastonia.