InTucker Magazine

Team Tucker – John McHenry

What was your work experience before coming to Tucker?
I had served as the Community Development Director for Flowery Branch, a job which involved zoning, redevelopment, historic preservation as well as some public works oversight.

Directly before that I worked as the Program Manager for the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District (CID), which borders Tucker. I’ve also had the opportunity to work for advocacy associations such as the Homebuilders, engineering firms and regional agencies; it’s all been helpful background for working here in Tucker.

What does your day-to-day workload look like?
There are invariably zoning- and planning-related items that come across my desk, which can range from simply verifying zoning to a complex staff report regarding rezoning requests.

I also oversee the code enforcement and building permitting departments, so I look to make sure that we’re providing the best service possible to Tucker citizens. Woven in among this, and equally important, are economic development efforts to both support our strong business community and bring in more and better jobs.

How is Tucker unique from other cities you’ve worked in?
Working for a start-up city is a one-of-a-kind experience, as you get to provide services and define what those services will be moving forward. It’s a huge opportunity and I enjoy the challenge of setting a very high standard.

What is your favorite thing about working in Tucker?
The depth and energy of the civic groups is just incredible. There are so many local advocates, so much pride and, most importantly, a great sense of fellowship in the community. It’s the Tucker Way, and that means taking care and helping others. I think that’s why people love this community so much.

Off The Wall

What’s the TV show you never miss?
Nothing that I would say that I never miss, but I do enjoy Parks and Recreation (although at times it cuts a little too close to home).

Which celebrity do people say you look like? 
I used to get that I looked like Kevin Bacon, then Ferris Bueller’s best friend.

What is one thing your co-workers don’t know about you? 
That I lived in Minnesota for two years. It snowed 30 inches before Thanksgiving my first year – I moved.

What is your favorite sport/sports team? 
Just to exhibit my advanced age, the Mets won the World Series my last year in college in New York and I have stayed with them ever since. Go Mookie, Keith, Gary!