City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) “I have connections to Talladega and I love this city," said newly appointed City Manager Derrick Swanson during a Meet and Greet with the community on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

The event was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of residents, including representatives from local businesses, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations who gathered at Talladega City Hall to meet the new city manager.

Mr. Swanson is a prominent leader whose influence has been felt statewide. He began his career as a medic for the city of Tuskegee, and advanced to fire chief.  From 2007 to 2015, he served as regional coordinator, director of emergency medical services, and training group supervisor for Alabama Fire College.  From 2015 to 2020, he was captain over Emergency Services for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Swanson is currently commissioner of Alabama Firefighters’ Personnel Standards and Education Commission. He was appointed commissioner by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in 2023, and is the first African American to hold this position.

He earned 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.   

During the Meet and Greet, City Manager Swanson stressed his commitment to nurturing partnerships with local academic institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations and others in order to help Talladega advance.

PHOTO: City Manager Derrick Swanson with AIDB interpreter Sara Presley at Friday's Meet and Greet