Robyn Tannehill
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I am honored to serve the citizens of Oxford as their mayor. I have the privilege of serving 28,000 taxpayers and working with approximately 500 of the most talented and compassionate people I’ve ever met. Our goal daily is to be proactive in our planning for Oxford’s enormous growth, to ensure that we continue to improve the quality of life for our citizens and to meet the needs of our citizens who need it most.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
As I served as a volunteer in many different capacities in our community, I knew there were changes I wanted to address. After co-chairing the Oxford School District $30 million bond referendum in 2011, I knew I wanted to get involved in our local government. I successfully ran for alderman in 2013 and realized for four years that I needed to be in the mayor’s seat to effect the change I knew we needed. It is amazing to wake up every day to do a job I enjoy so much and with people I respect and appreciate.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
I can think of so many pieces of advice that I have received over the years that have spoken deeply to me, but one I always remind myself of, “If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” The people you surround yourself with will have a profound impact on the rest of your adulthood. I tell my 5th-grade girl emPOWERment class, “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.” And, we are, too! Surrounding yourself with driven and intelligent people will always push you and influence you positively.
BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR
Serving on the Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag was an incredible honor that I will always cherish. To be a part of creating an image that represents all Mississippians and then to see it pass overwhelmingly was rewarding. I will always appreciate Speaker Philip Gunn for appointing me to the commission. I am proud every single time I see our beautiful flag flying.
NONPROFIT I WISH I KNEW MORE ABOUT
There are so many incredible nonprofits that are making a difference in our community every single day. In my position, I have the privilege of working closely with these groups and seeing first-hand the impact they have on our community.
Hometown: Florence, Ala.
I can’t start my day until: I make coffee and pray for my kids. I know I have to center myself before I can serve anyone else.
Hobbies: Exercising and cooking. I was an art major. Art is my hobby. I daily get to use art in cooking. No matter what my day is like…cooking dinner is what I look forward to every day.
Binge-watch: Rhea and I rarely watch TV other than news. We loved “Ted Lasso.” We are always a few years behind, but my current binge-watch is “Firefly Lane.”
Last Good Read: I just finished reading “Bill of Obligations” by Richard Haas. If American Democracy is going to survive, we have to get past our rights and also place focus on our obligations.
Favorite Meal in Town: the one where my whole family is around the table!
