Copyright AL.com
Familiar names and few new titles are coming to coming to Birmingham City Hall as Mayor Randall Woodfin begins his third term and redesigns his executive team. Reappointed to the mayor’s executive team are Cedric Spark as chief of staff, Ed Fields as chief strategist and senior advisor, Melissa Smiley, chief economic and community development officer and Chaz Mitchell as chief financial officer and commissioner of sports and entertainment. The roles of Smiley and Mitchell have changed. Smiley previously served as chief accountability officer while Mitchell served as chief of operations. Woodfin said Mitchell will oversee city finances and its expanding sports and entertainment portfolio. “Each of these leaders brings exceptional expertise and a deep dedication to Birmingham’s future,” Woodfin said in a statement today. “Their work will strengthen our city’s foundation—economically, operationally, and in the daily lives of our residents.” The announcement comes days after questions were raised about the status of several longtime employees in the mayor’s office. Officials told AL.com that additional appointments will be announced in coming days. Woodfin today also announced three new positions and leads. James Fowler will serve in the newly created role of chief of public infrastructure, Sylvia Bowen as deputy chief of administrative services, and Carlton Peeples as deputy chief of public safety. Fowler previously served as the city’s director of transportation. Peeples takes on his new role after serving as special agent in charge of the FBI’s Birmingham Division. The appointments take effect Nov. 25, the first day of Woodfin’s third term.
