Proven Leader with Financial and Business Expertise
John (Jock) McCown has been a full-time resident of Pound Ridge for 27 years and is a registered Democrat. He and Kathleen, his wife of 39 years, moved here from Manhattan when their two children were toddlers. Both of their children were raised in Pound Ridge and attended Pound Ridge Elementary School.
For the past several years, Jock has been a regular attendee at Town Board meetings and has consistently followed local news since moving to the area. He also served on the Economic Development Committee until it was disbanded in early 2025. Jock has also served as President of Pound Ridge’s largest homeowners association, comprised 43 members, for over a decade. Under his leadership, the association has consistently operated within budget, avoided fee increases, and delivered timely annual financial statements to its members.
In his professional life, Jock serves as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy (CMS), the Navy League’s think tank dedicated to exploring the role of maritime power in global security. Reporting to a retired four-star admiral who commanded our submarine forces and is Dean of the CMS, Jock focuses his research on the intersection of commercial shipping and national security, with his many articles published by CMS receiving strong recognition. He also wrote the opening two chapters of the first book published by the CMS focused on the strategic importance of growing the U.S. maritime enterprise.
Jock brings over 40 years of maritime industry experience, most notably as co-founder and CEO of Trailer Bridge, Inc., a container shipping and trucking company he launched in 1992. Under his leadership, it went public and grew into a $150 million enterprise serving the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. In 2005, it was ranked #1 globally in operating income as a percent of revenue among the top 50 container shipping companies worldwide. Jock credits this success to a unique, cost-efficient business model that also reduced emissions—earning Trailer Bridge a spot in the EPA’s Climate Wise program. He holds two U.S. patents, including one for a vessel propulsion system and another for a cargo handling process still in use by the company today.
Jock’s management style at Trailer Bridge was hands-on and inclusive, characterized by regular, personal engagement with the company’s 250+ employees. He was known for touring terminals and riding along in company tractors, speaking directly with frontline staff to understand their experience and gather ideas for improving both their work environment and the company’s overall performance.
From 1980 to 2000, Jock was mentored daily by Malcom McLean, inventor of container shipping and founder of Sea-Land Service. He worked closely with McLean as he built U.S. Lines into the world’s largest container shipping company, with over $2 billion in annual revenue. McLean was later named as the 17th of 50 “Heroes of Progress” by the Human Progress project—a list that includes figures like Johannes Gutenberg, Jonas Salk and Bill Gates—for revolutionizing global trade and lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty. Recognizing Jock’s business acumen and personal integrity, McLean named him executor of his substantial estate.
After his operating career in shipping, Jock joined Paulson & Co., a $23 billion hedge fund based in Manhattan, where he served as Senior Vice President overseeing transportation investments. At that firm, Jock worked with John Paulson who is recognized as one of the greatest investors of all time based on his prescient positions related to the subprime housing crisis. Over four years, Jock analyzed, recommended, and managed a portfolio that grew to $700 million.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Jock earned business degrees from Marion Military Institute and Louisiana State University before starting his career at the National Bank of North America on Wall Street, where he became the youngest officer in the bank’s history. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and interned at U.S. Lines—an experience that led to a full-time role with its parent company, McLean Industries.
Jock is the author of Giants of the Sea: Ships & Men Who Changed the World, a 316-page hardcover well received across and beyond the shipping industry. He has presented the book at maritime academies worldwide and is widely known for his monthly container volume analyses and quarterly shipping industry reports. His expertise has earned him frequent citations in major publications on shipping and global trade.
Jock fully supports the entire platform outlined throughout the Pound Ridge Party website, with a particular focus on timely financial reporting, fact-based management, improved governance, smart environmental initiatives, and support for education.
Financial Accountability in Real Time
Restoring consistency in financial reporting is a key priority after years of delay. Just as a ship cannot chart a course without knowing its current position, a town cannot plan responsibly without accurate, up-to-date financial information. Jock will bring his strong financial expertise to serve the residents of Pound Ridge, ensuring the town not only catches up on overdue reports but also stays current moving forward. In addition to restoring the timely release of annual audited statements, he plans to introduce quarterly disclosures of unaudited financials to improve transparency and accountability.
Management Based on Facts & Data
Jock believes that effective decision-making starts with reliable information. His approach emphasizes thorough research, open discussion, and thoughtful analysis to build consensus and make well-informed choices. While this process may take more time at the outset, it often results in more efficient execution and better long-term outcomes. Guided by the principle “measure twice, cut once,” Jock prioritizes clarity, accuracy, and careful planning to ensure that public resources are used wisely and that decisions stand up to scrutiny over time. Jock is committed to a thoughtful, data-driven approach to governance that prioritizes meaningful results over optics.
Better Governance
Nearly 30 years ago, Jock and his wife fell in love with Pound Ridge and made it their home. While he brings a clear vision for the town’s future, Jock firmly believes that future should be shaped by the voices of its residents. He is committed to transparency, inclusion, and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to engage in decisions that affect the character of the town. Jock will be especially attentive to any initiative that could significantly impact Pound Ridge, working to ensure the community is informed and involved early in the process. He plans to host open forums to hear directly from residents—listening thoughtfully—because good governance starts with listening to the people it serves.
Smart Environmental Initiatives
During his time in the shipping industry, Jock was an early and strong advocate for transitioning from high-sulfur residual fuel to low-sulfur distillate—a move that delivered both economic and environmental benefits. That experience reinforced his belief that, with careful analysis, many solutions can be found that are both financially sound and environmentally responsible. As town leader, Jock will actively seek out and support initiatives that achieve this balance—where smart policy aligns with sustainability and long-term economic value.
Supporting Local Education
Education is the foundation of a strong community—something Jock knows both from personal experience and through the inspiring legacy of his late sister, Gaynor, a passionate and influential educator. In recognition of her impact, a New York City public high school was named in her honor, and Jock attends its graduation every year. He has seen firsthand how well-managed, well-supported schools can transform lives.
While education is largely outside the direct authority of the Town Board, Jock believes strongly in supporting local schools—particularly Pound Ridge Elementary School (PRES), which plays a vital role in the fabric of the community. Past discussions about potentially closing PRES are deeply concerning. Jock considers it essential to actively support PRES and its future by engaging with school leadership, the PTA, and the Bedford Central School District to explore ways the town can contribute to the school’s strength and long-term viability.
Jock’s Vision for Pound Ridge
Jock’s candidacy is grounded in a deep commitment to Pound Ridge and a practical, principled approach to leadership. With decades of executive experience, a strong belief in community engagement, and a track record of thoughtful, results-driven decision-making, Jock is ready to serve with integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on the town’s long-term success.
Have a question or an idea to share? Reach out to Jock at john.d.mccown@gmail.com.
