To the citizens of McNairy County,
I am seeking the office of County Mayor, and I believe the people of McNairy County deserve to know who I am, what I stand for, and what I hope to accomplish if entrusted with the opportunity to serve. I want to be transparent about my background, my values, and my vision for our county’s future.
McNairy County has experienced growth, maintained fiscal responsibility, and attracted new jobs and opportunities for our citizens. As the Conservative Republican candidate for McNairy County Mayor, I am committed to upholding those same principles while continuing to build a stronger future for everyone who calls McNairy County home.
My name is Kim Derek Bienash. I was born in 1957 in Rock County, Wisconsin, where I learned the value of hard work and public service from my parents. My father served in the military and eventually worked on the staff of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Following his military service, he returned home and became Superintendent of Public Works. My mother worked in an ammunition plant during World War II before dedicating many years of her life to teaching at the School for the Blind.
I am a proud product of private and public-school systems and spent much of my youth working on dairy farms, eager to help wherever I could. The work was hard, but necessary. Those early experiences taught me the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and community. Times were not always easy, but they instilled values that have guided me throughout my life.
My work life has been both interesting and challenging. I began my career at a large recycling facility affiliated with General Motors, where I quickly advanced to Operations Supervisor. I later joined a helicopter crop-dusting company, eventually earning a promotion to Operations Manager. Seeking new opportunities and challenges, I accepted a position as Transportation Supervisor with Midcontinent Resources, working in mining operations throughout Colorado, both above and below ground.
After two years in Colorado, I transitioned into ground logistics and contract administration for helicopter operations around the world, a position I held for four years. During that time, I married the love of my life, Jena, and began a partnership that continues to be one of the greatest blessings of my life.
In 1984, I joined United Industries, the parent company of United Stainless. Over the next nine years, I served in several leadership roles before relocating to McNairy County in 1992 to help establish United Stainless in Selmer, Tennessee. Once the facility was operational, I continued managing various departments and helping the company grow. Although we had opportunities to move elsewhere, my wife Jena and I decided that McNairy County was where we wanted to build our future. More than three decades later, we are proud to still call it home.
In 2006, I became an independent industrial consultant, providing services to a variety of industries and customers. Then, in 2020, I began volunteering in McNairy County government. In 2021, I joined the McNairy County Archives, where I currently serve as County Archivist.
That same year, I was appointed to the Industrial Development Board, where I have worked to attract new industries while supporting the businesses and industries that already provide jobs for our citizens. I currently serve on the McNairy County Commission, where I have worked alongside fellow commissioners to help bring rural emergency healthcare services back to our county.
I am also proud to support and work with organizations that strengthen our community, including Arts in McNairy, the McNairy County Historical Society, and the McNairy County Carl Perkins Center.
Throughout our history, McNairy County has benefited from accountable, transparent, and fiscally responsible leadership. If elected County Mayor, I will focus on four key priorities:
Fiscal Responsibility – Protect taxpayer dollars through responsible budgeting, efficient government operations, and careful stewardship of county resources.
Smart Growth – Encourage economic development and job creation while preserving the rural character and quality of life that make McNairy County special.
Transparency and Accountability – Ensure citizens remain informed, engaged, and connected to their local government through open communication and accessible leadership.
Putting Families First – Strengthen services, infrastructure, and public safety so McNairy County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
I am not running as a career politician seeking personal recognition. I am running to bring practical leadership, decades of business experience, and a commitment to serving the people of McNairy County. My goal is simple: Put McNairy County First.
Together, we can continue building a stronger future while preserving the values, traditions, and sense of community that make our county such a wonderful place to call home.
Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. I encourage you to attend the events scheduled throughout the campaign season, introduce yourself, and share your thoughts and concerns. Your voice matters, and I want to hear it.
Early voting begins July 17 and continues through August 1. Election Day is August 6.
I humbly ask for your vote and your support as your next County Mayor. Together, we can build a better tomorrow for McNairy County.
Thank you, and God bless McNairy County.
Very Respectfully,
Kim Derek Bienash