This month’s speaker is Mt. Juliet Mayor James Maness.

James Maness is a native Tennessean, born and raised in the Volunteer State. As a child, he grew up on a family farm and learned the value of hard work at a young age. Working all those early mornings and long hours with his father instilled in him a strong work ethic that still drives him today. 

James holds an associate degree in information technology and a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  

James was first elected District 2 City Commissioner in November 2010.  He was then appointed Vice Mayor in April 2011 and has been reappointed to the position four times, making James the city’s longest-serving Vice Mayor. In November 2020, James was elected as the fourteenth Mayor of the City of Mt. Juliet. In addition, James serves on the Wilson County Mt. Juliet Development Board and Greater Nashville Regional Council Transportation Policy Board. James is a former member of the Mt. Juliet Parks & Greenways Board.

While in office, James has sponsored legislation to remove the city’s red-light cameras, establish the Fire Department of Mt. Juliet, and lead the fight for the recall provision.  James champions customer service, public safety, planning, and government transparency.