​Aaron T. Murphy’s community and ministry service make him one of Johnson City’s most beloved leaders. He was born in Salem, VA but spent most of his childhood in Memphis, TN. Murphy comes from a loving home with a father and mother who instilled in him Christian values. After his graduation from E.T.S.U., Murphy worked in various states with many city leaders and stakeholders throughout the country as a project manager in the Healthcare Construction Industry. Later, he answered a call to go into ministry and enrolled into Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University. Shortly after graduating from Emmanuel, Murphy started at Good Samaritan Ministries where he currently serves as the C.E.O./Executive Director. He also is the Senior Pastor of Thankful Baptist Church, Co-owner of MCossinc and serves on the Johnson City Commission and Regional Planning Commission. Murphy has led many efforts to provide education, mentoring and social services to our neighbors in need. During the pandemic and city protests, Murphy worked with city leaders, citizens, police officers, and protesters to cultivate unity and peace in the Upper East TN Region. 

 

Aaron is dedicated to using his leadership experience in government, business, non-profit and community service to advance Johnson City, TN. He longs for people to come together and commit to common goals and a shared vision. He believes that it is his faith in God that leads him to love the citizens of Johnson City and serve them well. Murphy believes that educational development, smart and sustainable economic growth and infrastructure readiness are important focuses for our city. He carries a strong reputation in bringing solutions to problems while being optimistic when approaching challenges. Murphy believes that Johnson City is called to be a model community for many and has yet to reach its full potential in what’s to come. 

 

He was mentored by and spent a lot of time with the Late Rev. Dr. C.H. Charlton (former Vice Mayor of Johnson City, TN and Senior Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church) and Late Rev. Dr. Noel C. Taylor (former Mayor of Roanoke, VA) as a child until their deaths. Charlton and Taylor remain as heroes in Murphy’s life. 

 

Murphy is a man of the community for the community. 

 

 “There are many wonderful people that live here in Johnson City. When we work together,  great things  happen...” - Aaron T. Murphy