Jerry Abramson

Jerry Abramson: Louisville's Mayor For Life

Happiness is an emotion more easily felt than explained. Maybe you’ve noticed feelings of contentment or positivity present when you’re in your happy place, and one Harvard study tells us that close relationships are what keep us happy throughout our lives. When it comes down to it, how do you find your happiness? If feeling more joy is what you’re after, let Louisville’s longest-serving mayor, Jerry Abramson, serve up his insight—the same tips and ideas that have helped him sustain his optimism to this day.

Kentucky-born, Jerry Abramson, says he’s always been the guy with a “glass-halffull” attitude. “I try to carry that message in everything I do,” Jerry says. Whether it was during his 21 years of service as the mayor of Louisville which ended in 2011, or as lieutenant governor of Kentucky from 2011 to 2014, or sitting in the West Wing with President Obama as the deputy assistant to the president and director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Jerry says he’s always done his best to maintain his positive outlook — an encouraging enthusiasm with the power to reinforce hopefulness in others.

Jerry may be intentional about spreading positivity, but it’s possible he came by this trait a little more naturally. “My father was a real people person,” Jerry begins, “he always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say to folks.” Jerry grew up in a three-aisle, familyrun grocery store in Louisville’s Smoketown neighborhood. Shoppers could come in to grab a sandwich for lunch or stop by for other food staples. Witnessing his father’s consistent generosity and the positive effect it had on those around them inspired Jerry. “I saw that as I was growing up, and I learned from that,” Jerry says.

While the foundation for Jerry’s optimism began in his youth, the motivation he needed to put his positivity to purpose occurred as a young adult. During his senior year of college, Jerry traveled across the state of Indiana with Robert F. Kennedy, who was running for president at the time. Inspired by RFK’s determination to unite people through love, wisdom, and compassion, Jerry listened and talked with Kennedy about relevant issues. “That was the first time I began thinking in terms of getting involved in public service,” Jerry says.

When it came time to run for office in Louisville, Jerry took all the lessons he’d gathered and says, “I had a real love affair with my hometown and just wanted very much to be in a position to make it as good as it could possibly be.” Jerry’s goal while he was Louisville’s mayor was to “energize” the city he adores. “I wanted it to be more competitive. I wanted it to be more beautiful.” Ultimately, this man dubbed “Mayor for Life” wanted Louisville to acknowledge its strength and kindness and be a place where residents could enjoy a glass-halffull outlook.

I’M A BIG ADVOCATE FOR GETTING ENGAGED AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

Today, Jerry’s commitment to spreading positivity and wisdom hasn’t waned. He stays active and inspired by teaching at Spalding University and engaging in volunteer work. Jerry reveals that activities like getting outside and bicycling also support his joy. “I like to bicycle and be out with my own thoughts as I ride through the park,” he says. Still, the biggest contributing factor to his happiness would be his family and his grandkids. “I have a son, and four-year-old and two-year-old grandchildren, who my wife and I really, really, enjoy them a lot,” he says.

Jerry also finds great joy in spending time with his wife Madeline. “She’s my best friend and the happiness that we share by doing things together is what makes me happy — along with my grandchildren,” Jerry says. The couple enjoy watching movies, going to the orchestra, and just being at home together and reading or watching Netflix. Both are very active in their volunteer work and Jerry adds, “That keeps us happy.”

Jerry is a big supporter of community involvement, and research shows acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of wellbeing. “Being active and staying involved keeps you young,” he says. So, if you’re looking for ways to boost your daily dose of happiness, Jerry invites you to become involved in organizations that make a difference. Schools, nonprofits, or start-up businesses are all places that can give you a singular opportunity to contribute your wisdom and support. “I'm a big advocate for getting engaged and making a difference,” Jerry says.

Keeping his signature “glass-half-full” optimism has allowed Jerry Abramson to effect positive change wherever his path takes him. Studies suggest that optimists are more likely to engage in problem-solving when faced with difficulties. And Jerry has shown this resilience time and again in his political career and with his continued engagement in Louisville’s community. Jerry reminds us, “If we’re out there working together we can make a positive difference.”

By Tonilyn Hornung | Photo by Patti Hartog

Summer 2023 / Today's Transitions