Jay's Biography
Jay's Missouri Roots...
...began with the birth of his grandfather (preacher, author and lecturer J.W. Kesner) in Hayti, Missouri. Rev. Kesner was called into the ministry in Fort Smith, Arkansas taking his family out of Missouri. Jay moved back to Missouri as an adult.
Education:
BA in Journalism
MPA in Public Administration
Experience: (Read more detail about Jay's experience in the first two blog entries)
12 years in the United States Army Reserves from 1984-96
10 years in economic development in Texas and Oklahoma
16 years in non-profit management
5 years in political fundraising
Past executive director, board member and Lifetime Achievement Award winner of the North Kansas City Business Council
2008 graduate of Leadership Northland sponsored by the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Past Chairman of Habitat for Humanity's Family Selection Committee
Active with the Clay County Democratic Central Committee and 2009 President of the Northland Democratic Club
Published freelance writer in several magazines on a variety of topics
Personal:
Jay is the son of Col. Douglas (deceased) and Mary Belle Swearingen currently of San Antonio, TX
Jay is married to Valerie Swearingen. Jay and Valerie are raising two daughters and a son: Kylie, Tatum and Reid. They all live in North Kansas City.
