Biography

From an early age, JJ McKay was taught the importance of valuing social connections and friendships and creating relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. With that in mind, he has always placed emphasis on being active, socially-involved and engaged with others.

An only child, his father was a Marine Corps pilot killed in Vietnam, while his mother hailed from the deep south and helped instill a sense of pride and respect for others. Throughout high school and college, McKay was involved in a variety of activities and chaired several organizations.

Post college, McKay worked for a brief period in state politics before moving to Panama City, Florida to start a new career. While there, McKay became ingrained in the area, volunteering for many non-profits and helping to build up the fabric of the community. It was in Panama City that McKay began making regular media appearances. While successful in his career in the Florida panhandle, he was most proud of establishing the tradition of win/win in his business dealings.

Continuing his career climb, McKay moved to Seattle, Washington. His many accomplishments during this period include spearheading the single largest fundraising walk in the United States, developing national partnerships for material and informational distribution, managing appearances on national television, including the Oprah show, refining internal process and systems for growth, and playing key roles in establishing broad based internal and external campaigns.

In 2007 McKay established his own company to help businesses strategically partner with other corporations, organizations, or non profits to expand their vision or customer base.

McKay's passion for business practices continues with his role as a board member with US Bank Washington, InternMatch, Reign Capital and Fiatlux Imagining.

Named the "Perle Mesta of Seattle" by the Seattle Times, McKay is known for as a society host with numerous personal entertaining in Seattle, New York and other cities with dinners, cocktail parties and large scale dinner dances.

McKay stays very active in the philanthropic world serving on a variety of committees and on the boards of Seattle Opera, the Pilchuck School of Glass, Mary's Place for homeless women with children, and the steering committee of Seattle Center's 50th Anniversary Celebration.