Jerry McKinney is a lifelong resident of Youngstown, Ohio. Mr. McKinney attended Youngstown State University where he majored in business management. He also attended Hondrus College for Real Estate and Insurance Licensure. He also holds a certificate from The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. Mr. McKinney was President of McKinney & Associates Real Estate Company, Inc., for over three decades. He is a United States Army veteran and received a Vietnam Service Award and an Infantry Badge while serving during the Vietnam Conflict. 

In 2001, Mr. McKinney became the first African American President of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors and also served in various capacities including Vice President, Treasurer, and Trustee for the Ohio Realtors. In 2002, he was named Realtor of the Year. In 2003, Mr. McKinney was inducted into the Trumbull County African American Achievers Association. As the founder of Just One Call Away, he has been involved with youth mentorship programs for more than two decades.

Mr. McKinney has served on the school board for Hope Academy for Autism. He also served on the board of directors for Potential Development School of Autism, Legacy Academy, The Youngstown City School of Urban Congress, and the Advisory Committee for the United Way.

Sonya McKinney is a Line Clerk/Storekeeper with First Energy.   As Line Clerk, Sonya assists in the daily operations of the lineman for electric company. Sonya has the sole responsibility to ensure that whenever there are power outages, the lineman have the necessary equipment necessary to make repairs. While working at First Energy, Sonya received an associate degree in Applied Science from Youngstown State University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Malone College. Sonya holds a management license in Cosmetology Casal Aveda Institute. Sonya is co-owner of Dreams Unlimited Enterprises, LLC. Dreams Unlimited is a multi-dimensional organization that assist individuals in recognizing their dreams  of business ownership, developing a trade, and other entrepreneurial endeavors.