Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt – City Council Member, Pepper Pike
(John Eric Schmidt, who usually goes by his middle name, Eric)

Eric Schmidt was elected to the Pepper Pike City Council in 2025 and brings more than three decades of leadership experience in information technology, organizational oversight, and cross-functional collaboration. Over the course of his career, he has worked at Lincoln Electric, Deloitte, and PolyOne Corporation (now Avient), where he led global teams and helped shape information technology plans focused on tactical execution, efficiency, and responsible use of resources.

Eric’s professional background includes managing complex business information systems, guiding large-scale projects, and strengthening organizational accountability through information technology audits, information technology security management, and compliance oversight. These experiences have grounded his approach to decision-making: balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution, communicating clearly, and solving problems thoughtfully. He brings the same principles of efficiency, transparency, and stewardship to his work on City Council.

A lifelong appreciation for nature also shapes Eric’s service. As a young volunteer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, he cared for wildlife and trained raptors, an early experience that sparked his enduring commitment to environmental mindfulness and responsible land use. He remains dedicated to preserving Pepper Pike’s natural character while supporting the city’s thoughtful, forward-looking evolution. 

Eric and his family have called Pepper Pike home for more than twenty years. His wife grew up in the community, and their two children were born here and attended the Orange City Schools. As a longtime resident and civically engaged neighbor, Eric is committed to ensuring that Pepper Pike remains a well-managed, welcoming, and vibrant place to live for today’s residents and future generations. 

Eric grew up in Cleveland Heights and attended Cleveland Heights High School. He went on to receive a degree in Psychology from Earlham College and his M.B.A. from the Ohio State University. 

Eric and his wife, Lauren , have two children, Kayla and John, currently at the Ohio State University and Orange High School, respectively.  Their dog, Andy, loves walks on the new Pepper Pike trails.