MOUNT VERNON – Members of the Knox County Republican Central Committee voted to appoint James Mahan to represent Mount Vernon’s First Ward on City Council.
Mahan is filling the unexpired term of Josh Kirby, who resigned on Oct. 20 for health reasons a little over 8 months from the beginning of his 2-year term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2023.
The new council member will assume the committee responsibilities of Kirby – chair of the Fire, Police, Civil Defense Committee, second on the Finance Committee, in addition to being a member of the Utilities and Employee and Community Relations committees, according to a press release from the city.
“I was sorry to hear about the resignation of Josh Kirby due to health reasons. I join his friends on Council in prayers for his family,” said Mahan, who goes by Jay.
Mahan has called Mount Vernon home since enrolling at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU). He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in history and earned a master’s degree in management from the university in 2005. He serves as MVNU’s assistant registrar for graduate and professional studies.
His wife, Kerri, has taught at Mount Vernon City Schools for more than 25 years. His children graduated from Knox County Career Center, Mount Vernon High School and MVNU.
Mahan is also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Ohio Army National Guard.
“Mount Vernon has been so good to us. I wasn’t born here, but this is home and where we raised our boys,” said Mahan. “I look forward to representing the First Ward and working with the Council and administration, in these exciting times.”
