Reynolds Retirement5587.JPG
(Sarah Cole/al.com)
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Huntsville City Administrator Rex Reynolds, the top non-elected official at City Hall, is retiring.
Huntsville City Administrator Rex Reynolds announced his retirement Monday morning after 33 years with the city (Sarah Cole/al.com).
Col. John Hamilton, who retired last week as Redstone Arsenal garrison commander, will take over as city administrator on Jan. 1, 2014. Mayor Tommy Battle announced both moves at a Monday morning news conference.
During his 33 years with the city, Reynolds climbed the ladder from narcotics officer to homicide investigator to police chief and public safety director. He has been Battle's top aide since 2008, essentially functioning as the city's chief executive officer.
"I want to thank Mayor Battle for the opportunity of a lifetime," Reynolds said in a news release. "To serve under his leadership has allowed me to grow as a manager."
Reynolds, 54, said he would consider running for elected office in the future. He has long been mentioned as a potential candidate for Madison County sheriff. Current Sheriff Blake Dorning faces re-election next year.
Reynolds said he will also be "looking for opportunities" in the private sector after retiring from the city.
"It's all about putting myself in position to continue to serve the public; it's all I've ever known," he said.
Battle called Reynolds "my most trusted adviser, manager, confidant and friend."
"He deserves the joys and pleasures of a happy retirement, though I expect that will include a continually active role in public service," the mayor said.
John Hamilton, who just retired last week as Redstone Arsenal garrison commander, will take over as city administrator on Jan. 1, 2014. (Sarah Cole/al.com)
Hamilton became garrison commander in 2010 and helped lead Redstone through the latest Base Realignment and Closure growth spurt as well as the April 27, 2011, tornadoes. His many responsibilities included working with Army offices similar to those within city government: human resources, recreation, plans, public works, emergency services, mobilization and security, and family and morale welfare.
The city administrator position offers exactly what Hamilton said he was looking for in a post-military career.
"I look forward to the opportunity to have an impact on this community, to fight every day to improve people's quality-of-life and grow this city in a smart way," said Hamilton. "While I still have much to learn about the city, my work in the Army has afforded me a broad range of experiences leading teams around the world, and I look forward to bringing those experiences to the team."
A Tallahassee native, Hamilton began his Army career in 1990 as a logistics officer. He spent time in Iraq, Afghanistan, Fort Bragg, N.C., and northern Virginia before moving to Huntsville three years ago.
Battle said Hamilton will begin working alongside Reynolds under contract starting Sept. 1 with the goal of taking over as city administrator on Jan. 1. The contract must be approved by the Huntsville City Council.
"The garrison commander's job is similar to that of a mayor's, and John Hamilton's record as a high-performing team leader is well known and respected," said Battle. "I am delighted and honored to have him join our administration and look forward to a great partnership."
In 2004, then-Mayor Loretta Spencer tapped Reynolds to replace Compton Owens as Huntsville police chief. He was elevated to public safety director -- overseeing both the police and fire departments -- in early 2007. Reynolds is also actively involved in a number of nonprofit agencies including Boys and Girls Clubs, Partnership for a Drug Free Youth, United Way, Huntsville Sports Commission and Crime Stoppers.
"I have been incredibly fortunate to have had an opportunity to serve this community, and work alongside some outstanding co-workers," said Reynolds. "After 33 years with the city, retirement will allow me to seek new opportunities and still spend quality time with my family and young grandson."
City Council President Mark Russell said the council has a "great working relationship" with Reynolds, and he expects that to continue with Hamilton.
"We're looking forward to working with Col. Hamilton and see great things in the future," said Russell.
Updated at 11:47 a.m. with quotes and information from Monday morning news conference.