Alabama League of Municipalities Elects New President and Vice President During Annual Convention

May 1, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) on Thursday elected Rusty Jessup, mayor of Riverside, as its new president and Jason Reeves, mayor of Troy, as its new vice president during the business session of the League's annual convention at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Over 1,200 municipal officials, strategic partners and exhibitors attended this three-day convention to discuss legislative issues, hear from state leaders, share resources and conduct official business.

"We are excited to have Mayor Jessup and Mayor Reeves represent our organization as president and vice president during the 2026-2027 year," ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran said. "ALM's underlying theme throughout this year is helping all of our municipal leaders from Alabama's 466 cities and towns to navigate handling their duties to support their communities through our educational programs and events. We believe these two leaders can help us to achieve that goal."

The nonpartisan organization supports various sized local governments through legislative advocacy, legal assistance and training for elected officials. The president and vice president will serve in their capacities for one year and will represent the organization's more than 450 member cities and towns at meetings and events that aim to give municipalities a voice on local, state and federal levels.

President Jessup was elected mayor of Riverside in 2006. He previously owned an insurance agency and retired after a 34-year career in that industry. He is also the chairman of the St. Clair County Mayors Association and chairman of the St. Clair County Healthcare Authority. He previously served as the organization's vice president from 2025-2026. He also serves on the Municipal Workers Compensation Fund (MWCF) Board of Directors and is a member of the League's Committee on State and Federal Legislation. He previously served as vice chair of the Alabama Municipal Funding Corporation (AMFund) Board. He has served as a member of the League's Board of Directors and was chairman of the League's Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources for one year.

"Being elected as president of the Alabama League of Municipalities is an awesome honor as well as a major responsibility," President Rusty Jessup said. "I am so proud to represent hundreds of municipalities and elected officials from all over our great state. I am looking forward to a fantastic year and helping our cities and towns achieve their goals with the support of our organization's many resources."

Vice President Reeves has served as mayor of Troy since November 2012. He served on the city council representing District 3 for 16 years before becoming mayor. First elected in 1996 at the age of 24, he is the youngest elected official in Troy's history. He serves on the League's Board of Directors and is a past chairman and current secretary of the Southeast Gas and Southeast Energy Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Troy Hospital Health Care Authority, serves as chairman of the MWCF Board and participates on the Troy University Athletic Advisory Committee and the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame Board of Advisors. Additionally, he is a former member of the AMFund Board of Directors.

"One of the most rewarding parts of my public service has been my involvement with the Alabama League of Municipalities. The knowledge and relationships I've gained from my involvement have enriched my career and my life," Vice President Reeves said. "Being selected for leadership in this organization that is vital to our state and the communities that define it is one of the greatest honors of my life. I look forward to working with my friend Mayor Rusty Jessup, the board and the League staff to help make Alabama an even better place to build a life for all our citizens."

The League also elected the following municipal leaders to serve on the 2026-2027 Board of Directors:

From the First Congressional District:

Mayor Ralph Hellmich, Foley

Councilmember Katherine Breeden, Loxley

Mayor Brandon Van Hook, Semmes

Councilmember Newton Cromer, Saraland

Mayor Ruthie Campbell, Robertsdale

From the Second Congressional District:

Councilmember, Joe Beaty, Citronelle

Mayor Gordon Stone, Pike Road

Mayor Charles Andrews, Monroeville

Vacant (previously Mayor Jason Reeves)

Mayor Stanley Stallworth, Evergreen

From the Third Congressional District:

Mayor Joe Taylor, Rainbow City

Councilmember Katrina Hennings, Springville

Mayor Ron Anders, Auburn

Mayor Eddie Smith, Opelika

Mayor Scott Reeves, Hokes Bluff

From the Fourth Congressional District:

Councilmember Jennifer Williams, Jasper

Mayor Allen Dunavant, Glen Allen

Mayor Chuck Ables, Geraldine

Councilmember Jill Oakley, Albertville

Councilmember Willis Thompson, Muscle Shoals

From the Fifth Congressional District:

Councilmember Dana Henry, Athens

Councilmember Kyle Pike, Decatur

Mayor Jim McCamy, Scottsboro

Councilmember Charles Black, Priceville

Councilmember Alice Lessmann, Madison

From the Sixth Congressional District:

Mayor Hoyt Sanders, Pinson

Mayor Ashley Curry, Vestavia Hills

Mayor Stan Hogeland, Gardendale

Councilmember Michael Gay, Millbrook

Mayor Theoangelo Perkins, Harpersville

From the Seventh Congressional District:

Mayor Bobby Scott, Center Point

Mayor Graham Smith, Mountain Brook

Mayor Gwendolyn Rogers, Linden

Councilmember Wardine Alexander, Birmingham

Mayor Sheldon Day, Thomasville

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (Active Past Presidents)

Mayor Sherry Sullivan, Fairhope (2025-2026)

Mayor Mark Saliba. Dothan (2024-2025)

Mayor Leigh Dollar, Guntersville (2020-2021)

Mayor Ronnie Marks, Athens (2019-2020)

Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa (2013-2014)

Councilmember Johnny Ford (1989-1990)

ALM was established on May 15, 1935, nearly 91 years ago. Gov. Bibb Graves gave the fledgling organization office space in the state capitol building until the members could afford to lease something else and recommended Ed E. Reid serve as the first salaried director. Since then, the League has been led by four more executive directors: John Watkins, Perry Roquemore Jr., Ken Smith and Greg Cochran along with over 80 presidents. Learn more at almonline.org.