John Isbell
Sumner County Mayor
Community
“My activities include Rotary, the Hendersonville Citizens Police Academy, Tunnels to Towers, Leadership Middle Tennessee, Sons of the American Revolution and Chambers of Commerce across Sumner County.”
Motivation
“I am motivated by the opportunity to build relationships. At its core, leadership is fundamentally about cultivating strong relationships at the local, state and federal levels.”
Mentor
“Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have many influential mentors. My father instilled in me a strong work ethic, and to always be honest and courageous. Other mentors include spiritual leaders Pastors Maury Davis and Dan Smith, and my trusted friend Dr. David Black, who has strongly influenced my political career and personal life.”
Why Hendersonville and Sumner County?
“My family moved to Hendersonville in 1976, and I have had the privilege of watching it grow into a vibrant, economically thriving community.”
Greatest Life Lesson
“The greatest thing I’ve learned is to be careful of the bridges you burn. You may need to cross them the future.”
Advice to Others
“Lead with integrity, serve with humility and invest in relationships. Anchor your life in faith and family and pursue your goals with diligence.”
George J. Phillips
Attorney at Phillips | Ralston
Community
“I am on the Board of Directors for TRICOR, which is dedicated to rehabilitation and second chances for incarcerated individuals. I am also active in the Tennessee, Nashville, and Sumner County Bar Associations, serving on the Executive Committee and as a past Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s International Law & Practice Section. In addition, I serve as volunteer General Counsel to the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce and the Shalom Zone.”
Motivation
“I am motivated by helping businesses navigate complex legal challenges and helping my clients be more successful.”
Mentor
“My mentors were Charles Bone and William Wright, not only in the practice of law, but in the importance of getting to know your clients so you can better advise them on what’s best for them. I learned pushing clients toward a reasonable resolution is often better than encouraging litigation.”
Why Hendersonville and Sumner County?
“Hendersonville and Sumner County offers a rare combination of opportunity and quality of life, a great place to grow a business and to raise a family. Having been involved in the formation of numerous companies, I can attest that Sumner County is fertile ground for small acorns to grow into mighty oaks.”
Greatest Life Lesson
“The greatest thing I’ve learned came from my father, the son of a sharecropper and a World War II veteran. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to family, community and country.”
Advice to Others
“Love your family, work hard, get involved in your community and ensure everyone is treated with fairness, respect and kindness.”
Chris Taylor
Executive Director of Forward Sumner
Community
“I am a Board member of United Way Sumner County, the Drug Recovery Court and Chair of the Sumner County Solid Waste Board. I also teach kids in grades K-5 at Northfield Church. I am lucky in that my current work role allows me the opportunity to help with our schools, municipalities and county in a multitude of ways out of the limelight.”
Motivation
“I am motivated by serving – at home, at church, at work. I love helping whenever and wherever I can.”
Mentor
“I have been blessed to have several people breathe into my life. These days, I receive great wisdom and advice from my Friday Devotional group of Charles Bone, Charles Kimbrough, Don Dixon, Lee Willingham and Dr. Chaffin Summers. I was also mentored by the late Murray Brown.”
Why Hendersonville and Sumner County?
“I grew up in the military, and we bounced around a lot. It has been incredible to see my children grow up in the same schools and have lifelong friends. Sumner County is an amazing place to raise a family; the schools are second to none and it’s a safe community with good people.”
Greatest Life Lesson
“At one point in my life I used to be very selfish with my time. I wanted to spend it on what I thought was important – coaching my kids, pursuing my interests, etc. I felt like I had ‘done my part’ and was still giving back in my way. God humbled me and taught me that its His time and I wasn’t finished. My wife and pastor were instrumental in understanding what God was teaching me and what I needed to do. From that point on I ran for the County Commission, accepted roles on several boards, got back into Church leadership, accepted greater roles with the Metro Nashville Police Department and earned my MBA.”
Advice to Others
“Don’t be afraid of taking chances and trying new things, as the enemy uses fear/anxiety to stop us from achieving God’s plans and blessings He has for us.”
"After college, I returned to Hendersonville to raise my family, ensuring my children would benefit from the same exceptional educational and community opportunities I had enjoyed. I am deeply grateful that my family was welcomed into the Sumner County community and given the opportunity to prosper.”
John Isbell