Urmas Klaas
Mayor
Date and Place of Birth
17th March 1971, Räpina
Education
1998 University of Tartu, MA in History
1994 University of Tartu, BA in History (cum laude)
1989 Räpina Secondary School
Work Experience
Since April 2014 to present Mayor of Tartu
2011-2014 Chairman of Cultural Affairs Committee of the 12th Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia)
2007-2011 Chairman of Economic Affairs Committee of the 11th Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia)
2004-2007 Põlva County Governor
2004 Ministry of Education and Research, Head of Information Department
1995-2003 Newspaper Postimees: News Department, Editor; Head of Opinion Department; Head of Tartu Office; Deputy Editor-in-Chief; and, Editor-in-Chief
1994-2003 University of Tartu, Chair of Estonian History, Assistant Lecturer
Social Activities
Tartu Ülikooli Kliinikum Foundation, Member of the Council
Tartu Pauluse Kirik Foundation, Chairman of the Council
Tartu Jaani Kirik Foundation, Chairman of the Council
Tartu Maarja Kirik Foundation, Chairman of the Council
Teater Vanemuine Foundation, Member of the Council
Eesti Teatri Festival Foundation, Member of the Council
AS Räpina Haigla, Member of the Council
Tartu County Association of Local Governments, Member of the Board
Estonian Reform Party, Member of the Board
Member of the Estonian Defence League
Scientific Activities
MA Thesis: "The Orthodox Church in Southern Estonia 1848–1917. Administrative Arrangement and Priesthood” (1998)
Awards
2024 Order of the Lion of Finland, Commander
2023 The Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander
2020 Cross of Merit of the Estonian Military Academy
2019 Silver Badge of the Ministry of Defence
2019 Medal of Merit Gold of the Baltic Defence College
2019 Cross of Recognition 3rd Class of the Republic of Latvia
2013 Grand Merit Cross with Star of the Federal Republic of Germany
2007 Cross of Merit of the Estonian Defence League
2006 Lõuna Police Prefecture Distinguished Service Medal
2005 Golden Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland
Language Skills
Estonian – native language
German – spoken and written
Russian – spoken and written
English – spoken and written
Interests
Literature, sports, fishing and gardening
