Meet John

John Mathews is a former Assistant Mayor, executive, and author whose life exemplifies resilience and transformation. Before leading teams in both public service and the private sector, he overcame nearly a decade of addiction and homelessness in his early twenties, a turning point that shaped the leader he would become. 

As Emergency Management Director and later Assistant Mayor over Emergency Services, he helped lead one of the largest mobilizations of emergency resources in Tennessee history during the 2016 Gatlinburg Wildfires. In the private sector, he applied that same strategic mindset as Vice President of Operations for a multi-million-dollar construction firm, where he guided teams, protected major projects, and strengthened the systems that supported the company’s growth. 

Today, through JM Consulting and the Stay the Course Institute, John helps individuals and organizations grow with clarity, structure, and practical tools they can use every day. He believes that growth becomes possible when people build trust in themselves, pursue meaningful goals, and choose to stay the course regardless of the circumstances.