John J. Tecklenburg (born September 1955) is an American businessman and politician with deep roots in Charleston, South Carolina. His family's entrepreneurial legacy traces back to 1867, when his great-great-grandfather opened a corner grocery store at St. Phillip and Wentworth streets. Tecklenburg built on this heritage by founding Southern Oil Company in 1978, which he owned and operated for nearly two decades before selling the business. His career in business and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for his later entry into public service. He served as Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina, sworn in on January 11, 2016, and served two terms. During his tenure, he focused on urban development, disaster recovery, public health initiatives, and resilience against flooding and storms, as evidenced by his involvement with the American Flood Coalition. He also appeared in media discussions on topics like race, religion, and politics, including documentaries such as 'The Sins of our Fathers: Race, Religion, and the Rise of Trump.' In 2023, Tecklenburg was defeated in his reelection bid by former state legislator William S. Cogswell Jr., marking the first time a Charleston mayor lost reelection since 1959. Post-mayoralty, he continues to engage in public discourse and advocacy, particularly around environmental and community issues in the Lowcountry region.