Who is Kevin Zahara

Kevin was born and raised in Athabasca, Alberta, where most of his family currently resides. He was elected as a Town Councillor in Athabasca at the age of 19, but a year later, he moved to Edson in 2003 to take a promotion with the company he was working for at the time. He subsequently put his name forward as a candidate for the Edson Council in 2007 and 2010, finishing first overall in both elections. In 2012, he left Edson to work for the local conservative MLA in the Alberta Legislature. He served as Press Secretary for the Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, and Minister of Treasury Board and Finance. Each of these roles provided Kevin with valuable insight into provincial issues and an understanding of the internal operations of the provincial government. While working in Edmonton, he often spent weekends back in Edson to be with his now-wife Kristie and daughter Keira. In 2015, he moved back to Edson and ran for Mayor of Edson in 2017 and 2021. He ran uncontested for his third term as Mayor in 2025. Kevin’s experiences on the Edson Council and his time in the provincial government have given him a clear understanding of government processes, fostering strong relationships with other municipalities and the provincial government. His advocacy has led to significant developments, including the construction of the YCE Multiplex, funding for flood mitigation projects, and a commitment from Alberta Transportation to repave Highway 16 through Edson over the next two years. Prior to Kevin's efforts, Highway 16 through Edson was not included in the provincial Capital Plan. When Kevin first ran for Mayor of Edson in 2017, he focused on communication, facility development, and youth initiatives. Since then, he has successfully implemented streaming of council meetings, public engagement sessions, council expense reporting, facility upgrades, and established a strong Edson Youth Council, which are accomplishments he is proud of. When he is not serving as Mayor of Edson, Kevin is part of the Senior Leadership Team at two local businesses and volunteers with Edson Citizens on Patrol. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, watching ball and hockey games, and taking an occasional trip to the Edmonton International Raceway during the summer. Kevin, Kristie, and Keira also care for two dogs and a cat.