The Interview – Mayor Keith Brady
Briefly describe yourself and what you do.
Husband, father, grandfather, mayor, business owner. This is my 25th year as Mayor of Newnan. It’s a part-time elected position. While being mayor does occupy some of my time, my profession is the Broker at Josey Young & Brady Realty. At both jobs, each day brings the opportunity to meet new people and be involved in an always evolving environment.
Best piece of business advice you’ve received.
Love what you do or find another job.
If I had it to do over…
Tough question. Everyone has moments that they wish they could take back; where apologies are in order. I know I’ve had plenty of those times. As for the big decisions, I don’t have any regrets.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
Chris Stapleton, B.B. King, Beach Music
Stephen Ambrose Undaunted Courage
The latest Lee Child Jack Reacher novel
Thomas Carlyle’s Sartor Resartus
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
Most people don’t know that I grew up in Atlanta.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why?
George Patton, Nelson Mandela, Maria Bartiromo, Warren Buffet, Babe Ruth. I think this group of dinner guests would provide a great mix of knowledge, history and current events. To limit the invitation list to five is almost impossible. I’d suggest a monthly dinner with rotating guests.
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
To see my grandchildren grown, happy, and leading a productive life
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be…
A chef who owned a restaurant in a coastal city
Your go-to food
Southern Soul, BBQ
Favorite movie(s)
Dr. Zhivago, Shrek, Band of Brothers – while not a movie, but a series
Dogs or cats
Dogs
Your favorite quote and why
George Bernard Shaw – “Some men see things as they are and ask why. Dream of things that never were, and ask why not.”
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
Two things. First, working with the city council to reach agreement for the city to back the $43 million bond issue that paved the way for Newnan Hospital to purchase Emory Peachtree Hospital. This resulted in Piedmont Healthcare buying Newnan Hospital. The outcome of these transactions was the opening of the new Piedmont Hospital in Newnan and the renovation of the old Newnan Hospital campus into the University of West Georgia Newnan campus. Second, being a member of the original group of local citizens who organized the Newnan Boys & Girls Club. It gives me great pleasure to see the positive influence the club continues to have on so many of the youth of Newnan.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own?
Do the duty that lies nearest
