City Manager

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City of Talladega

City Manager

PRIDE • DETERMINATION • COMMITMENT

Derrick Swanson, a prominent Alabama leader whose influence has been felt state-wide, began his service as Talladega city manager in May 2024. He is committed to ensuring Talladega’s economic development, vitality and growth; fostering and strengthening relationships with businesses, institutions, organizations, and other stakeholders; and running the daily operations of the city with transparency and integrity.

Mr. Swanson was appointed commissioner of the Alabama Firefighters’ Personnel Standards and Education Commission by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in 2023, and is the first African American to hold this position.

He began his career as a medic for the city of Tuskegee, and advanced to fire chief. He went on toserved as regional coordinator, director of emergency medical services, and training group supervisor for Alabama Fire College. He later served as captain over Emergency Services for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Swanson holds a Master of Science in management; a Bachelor of Science in human resources; an Associate of Applied Science in emergency medical services - paramedics; and an Associate of Applied Science in fire science. Additionally, he is a 2023 graduate of the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy (APSLA) and a national registered paramedic who holds 25 state and national Pro Board fire certifications.

Duties of the City Manager:

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council. The City Manager is the head of the administrative branch of the City Government. The City Manager shall be responsible to the council for the proper administration of all affairs of the City. The City Manager shall have the power and shall be required to:

Enforce all laws and ordinances.
Appoint and remove all officers and employees of the city except as otherwise provided by law and except as the City Manager may authorize department heads to appoint and remove subordinates in their respective departments.
Exercise administrative supervision and control over all officers, employees, offices, departments, boards and agencies except those otherwise provided for by law.
Prepare and submit the budget proposal and to administer it after its adoption.