New Leadership Alert: ALM Elects Fairhope's Sullivan as President!

The Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) just wrapped up its 90th convention at the Von Braun Center, and big news emerged! Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan is the new president, with Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup stepping into the vice president role. Over 800 city officials from across the state gathered for the three-day event.

A Voice for Local Government

ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran is pumped to have Mayor Sullivan and Mayor Jessup at the helm for 2025-2026. "We believe local government is closest to the people," he said. "These two will help us share that important message, strengthening relationships and building vibrant communities across Alabama!"

One-Year Terms, Big Impact

This nonpartisan organization champions local governments of all sizes with legislative muscle, legal know-how, and training for elected officials. The president and VP will serve for a year, representing ALM's 450+ cities and towns at meetings and events, making sure municipalities have a voice at every level.

Meet President Sherry Sullivan

Mayor Sullivan, elected in 2020, brings a wealth of experience, with almost 17 years working for Fairhope, plus a stint as director of governmental affairs and economic development for Riviera Utilities. She's already been active in ALM, serving on various boards and committees. Plus, she's involved with a ton of other organizations!

"I'm honored and humbled!" Sullivan exclaimed. "With over 450 communities, we have big issues to tackle. I'm committed to working with members and policymakers to ensure ALM remains a powerful voice in Montgomery."

Get to Know Vice President Rusty Jessup

Mayor Jessup has been leading Riverside since 2006. He's no stranger to ALM, with service on the Alabama Municipal Funding Corporation and the Committee on State and Federal Legislation. A former insurance agency owner, he's also heavily involved in St. Clair County.

"I'm grateful to be elected to represent the League as vice president," Jessup shared. "The League offers so many valuable resources, and I look forward to working with President Sullivan and officials from cities and towns of all sizes to improve our communities."

2025-2026 Board of Directors

Here are some of the other local leaders elected to the ALM Board of Directors:

First Congressional District:

  • Ralph Hellmich, Mayor, Foley
  • Katherine Breeden, Councilmember, Loxley
  • Mike McMillan, Mayor, Spanish Fort
  • Newton Cromer, Councilmember, Saraland
  • Ruthie Campbell, Councilmember, Robertsdale

Second Congressional District:

  • Marche Johnson, Councilmember, Montgomery
  • Gordon Stone, Mayor, Pike Road
  • Dexter McClendon, Mayor, Greenville
  • Jason Reeves, Mayor, Troy
  • Stanley Stallworth, Mayor, Evergreen

Third Congressional District:

  • Joe Taylor, Mayor, Rainbow City
  • Billy Pearson, Councilmember, Lincoln
  • Ron Anders, Mayor, Auburn
  • Michael Ellis, Councilmember, LaFayette
  • Scott Reeves, Mayor, Hokes Bluff

Fourth Congressional District:

  • Jennifer Williams Smith, Councilmember, Jasper
  • Allen Dunavant, Mayor, Glen Allen
  • Chuck Ables, Mayor, Geraldine
  • Andrew Betterton, Mayor, Florence
  • Mike Lockhart, Mayor, Muscle Shoals

Fifth Congressional District:

  • Dana Henry, Councilmember, Athens
  • Gary Livingston, Mayor, Eva
  • Jim McCamy, Mayor, Scottsboro
  • Tommy Perry, Councilmember, Priceville
  • Connie Spears, Councilmember, Madison

Sixth Congressional District:

  • Mike Oakley, Mayor, Centreville
  • Ashley Curry, Mayor, Vestavia Hills
  • Bobbie White, Mayor, Brent
  • Michael Gay, Councilmember, Millbrook
  • Theoangelo Perkins, Mayor, Harpersville

Seventh Congressional District:

  • Bobby Scott Jr., Mayor, Center Point
  • James Perkins Jr., Mayor, Selma
  • Gwendolyn Rogers, Mayor, Linden
  • Brian Puckett, Mayor, Helena
  • Sheldon Day, Mayor, Thomasville

Executive Committee (Past Presidents):

  • Mark Saliba, Mayor, Dothan
  • Randy Garrison, Mayor, Hartselle
  • Lawrence “Tony” Haygood Jr., Mayor, Tuskegee
  • Gary Fuller, Mayor, Opelika
  • Leigh Dollar, Mayor, Guntersville
  • Ronnie Marks, Mayor, Athens
  • Howard Rubenstein, Mayor, Saraland
  • Phil Segraves, Mayor, Guin
  • Sadie Britt, Councilmember, Lincoln
  • Walt Maddox, Mayor, Tuscaloosa
  • Charles Murphy, Mayor, Robertsdale
  • Lew Watson, Mayor, Lincoln
  • Johnny Ford, Councilmember, Tuskegee

image