LJ Mechem

For more than 25 years, LJ Mechem has been deeply rooted in the life of Madison County, as a business leader, community volunteer, and dedicated advocate for strengthening the place he has always called home. He joined the MCCF Board a little over a year and a half ago, building on his long history of service to the community, including more than 25 years as a board member of the YMCA and time serving on the Chamber of Commerce board.

LJ and his wife, Melanie, who served the community for more than 40 years as a middle school science teacher for Anderson Community Schools, have built their lives here. Their son, Tyler, leads the family business as CEO and is also an accomplished singer and songwriter. Their daughter, Lexi, and her husband, Jonathan, are both veterinarians serving Henry and Madison Counties.

In 1996, LJ became CEO of LM Products, a company that manufactures leather goods for the music industry. By 2000, he purchased the company, and today continues to lead a successful and creative business rooted in Anderson. “I have lived my entire life in Madison County. It’s home,” he shares. “I’ve been all over the country and out of the country, but there is something special about Anderson and Madison County. I’ve built a successful business here, myself and my children went to school here. Our parents and grandparents lived here. It’s a very special place for our family.”

He first learned about MCCF several years ago and it was through his longtime respect for fellow leader Ben Davis that he came to the board. “When Ben asked, it didn’t take long to see the Foundation was moving in the right direction, a direction that I agreed with and could get behind,” LJ shares.

For those who may not yet know the Foundation well, he emphasizes its strength and credibility: “MCCF has a very solid foundation. The board is diverse and engaged. Its fiscal stewardship is of utmost importance. The leadership and staff are talented and passionate, and the Foundation listens to the community and its needs to develop strategies to help organizations and the community reach new heights.T he possibilities are unlimited for this community and Madison County Community Foundation is the best place to invest.”