Mount Vernon News interviewed Jay Mahan to help the community gain insight into its newest City Council member.
Mahan was appointed to fill the vacancy created when Josh Kirby resigned from his First Ward seat on Oct. 20 due to health reasons.
Members of the Knox County Republican Central Committee chose Mahan to represent the First Ward and fill the rest of Kirby's term, which ends on Dec. 31.
Can you share an anecdote that shows you in action, doing something that will help our readers understand and get to know you?
I've been blessed to be a part of some great things. In 2009, our church outgrew our building and started to meet in the high school. We became a church of 400 that operated out of a large, enclosed car trailer. My pastor asked me to organize that team, and for 200 Sundays we would start very early, through all kinds of weather, to unload everything needed for a nursery, children's ministry, and a praise-and-worship service (imagine setting up a concert). I drove the truck, backed the trailer, and made sure we had the gear and people to get stuff in and out for two services every Sunday. I also tried hard to have our people see themselves as part of a sacred tradition that went all the way back to the tabernacle in ancient Israel. Those were challenging but great days, and it would not have been possible if people hadn't caught the vision and pulled [it] together. It was one of the great honors of my life.
What is a less flattering side of you – an example of something you are working on to improve or already have improved?
I'm not really a student. I coasted by in high school with a C average and did a little better in college. In many ways, I wasted those opportunities. My graduate degree was important to me, so I learned to grind. I showed up to every class period and did every assignment to at least a 93%.
What did your parents do? How did they influence you? What lessons did you learn from them?
My dad was a Nazarene pastor and then was vice president of church relations at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. He was intentional about treating people right and was generous. Dad liked nice things, especially cars, but was disciplined, and I learned from him to "own your possessions; don't let them own you." He didn't use those words, but there were several times in our lives when he would sell a hobby car or motorcycle and give the money to church [or] others or to make sure we had what we needed. He also was generous in letting people use his things – even people who weren't trustworthy. Dad had a nice Chevy Suburban that he worked hard for, and he sold it because he didn't feel comfortable letting someone else borrow it.
My mom was a teacher, librarian, and administrator of a large childcare facility, but I think she would tell you that her heart was always as a mom and then "Mimi" to her grandchildren. She showed me how important it was to have someone on your side, right or wrong, and she constantly spoke positive, encouraging words into my life. Mom was the glue that held us together, and I can see how much I still need that in my life.
Describe your biggest obstacle(s) in life and how you mastered them.
In the Marines [and] martial arts and professionally, I learned persistence in difficult times. Things may not be easy for you, [and] it may take longer, but if you just keep showing up, good things will often happen. The other side of that coin is the sooner you discover your strengths and find an environment that allows you to flourish, the better things will be. As a young professional, I reached a middle management position and was doing well, but lost my VP and mentor. His replacement and I just weren't compatible, and it became apparent that I needed to find another place to go. That was scary with a young family and cut against my grain, but was out of my control. I had to take a step backward and change jobs, but that turned out to be a blessing. I landed in a position and career path that was a much better fit for me.
Tell us about one of your biggest epiphanies – a moment of life-defining change that shaped you into the person you are today.
Learning to maximize my strengths with most of my time and energy and manage my weaknesses with the minimum energy required is one of the greatest things I've learned. A graduate school course and the book Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton were instrumental in that, and I recommend this book to anyone. There are some things you are just never going to be really good at because you don't have the talent or the love, and the freedom to let them go is a gift.
How would you describe your life philosophy?
My faith teaches me to love God and love my neighbor. We are to do what's right, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This characterizes me at my best and convicts me when I fall short.
What is your vision for the future? Where do you see yourself in five years or 10 years?
I tend to focus on what I can control. If I take advantage of opportunities to grow, live a life of faith and discipline, and treat people well, the next five [years] should work out. I'm hopeful in 10 that I will be successfully transitioning to a new phase of life. I think I'll always work, and I want to find a role I can be helpful in well past retirement age.
