Maysville Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 Citizen of the Year: Commissioner Joe McKay
The Maysville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Commissioner Joe McKay as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. This prestigious award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the community, contributed significantly to the quality of life in Maysville and Mason County, and shown a long-term commitment to serving others. Commissioner McKay exemplifies these qualities through his unwavering dedication to the community.
Joe McKay is a beloved educator, coach, county commissioner, and volunteer, as well as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Known for his kindness, reliability, and commitment to bettering the community, he is respected by all and is regarded as one of the most caring and trustworthy individuals by those who have had the privilege of working with him.
In 2015, McKay was appointed to the Mason County Fiscal Court to fill the seat of his late brother and has since served as County Commissioner with great dedication. He retired after 30 years of teaching and coaching, having started his career at St. Augustine in 1984 before joining the Maysville School District in 1986. Following the merger of the Maysville and Mason County schools in 1991, McKay continued to make a lasting impact as part of the Mason County School District, teaching and mentoring three generations of Maysville residents. His extraordinary dedication to education was recognized with the naming of the Mason County Intermediate School gymnasium in his honor.
Even in retirement, McKay remains actively involved in the community. He currently serves as an assistant basketball coach for the Mason County Lady Royals and continues to drive a school bus, making a positive impact on students’ lives every day. Over the years, he has held roles as a middle school boys’ basketball coach, girls’ soccer head coach, PE teacher, and substitute teacher. Known for his compassion and support of students, he is remembered for his signature phrase, “God loves you and so do I,” which he shared with students at the end of every class.
McKay’s influence extends beyond education. While teaching at Jones Elementary, he started a Christmas program that has since evolved into a beloved school-wide celebration at Mason County Intermediate School, complete with caroling, a tree lighting ceremony, and an orchestra performance. He continues to return each year to share the history of this tradition with new students.
In addition to his educational work, McKay is deeply involved in community service. He serves as a Eucharistic minister, bringing the Eucharist to the homebound, and is a member of the RSVP board, Knights of Columbus, DeKalb Lodge, and Eagles Lodge. He regularly volunteers for Read Across America Week and makes time to visit nursing homes and hospices, bringing comfort to the sick.
“Joe McKay is an outstanding role model for both children and adults in our community,” said a Chamber spokesperson. “His leadership, service, and compassion have made a lasting difference in Maysville and Mason County, and we are honored to recognize him as our Citizen of the Year.”
Commissioner Joe McKay’s dedication to improving the lives of others and his exceptional contributions to the community make him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s award.