Joseph McNamara was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned a B.S. in commerce, accounting, and finance from the University of Virginia in 1985. McNamara's career experience includes owning Katie’s Ice Cream and Chocolates and the Salem Ice Cream Parlor. McNamara was elected to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors from 1998 to 2009 and again from 2014-2018