After a month and a half search, the City of Hoover has a new City Administrator. Mayor Frank Brocato introduced Ken Grimes to the public during Monday night's Hoover City Council meeting.
"I'm happy to say after a significant search and a lot of hard work on folks doing background checks and doing interviews, talking to folks and getting great information on someone, we landed on a fantastic gentleman and a fantastic family that he brings," Brocato said. "We are really grateful to have Ken as part of our team."
Grimes grew up in Bessemer, but has spent the last twenty-two years in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area, having most recently served about 15 years as the City Administrator and Director of External Affairs for the City of Orange Beach. Prior to that, he worked as Director of Parks & Recreation, Acting City Clerk and Special Projects Coordinator. Grimes’ previous experience also includes a stint as President and CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, five years as President of the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce and two years as its Director of Economic Development.
“The City of Hoover needed someone that had experience as a city manager or city administrator. Ken has more than twenty years with Orange Beach,” Hoover Mayor Frank V. Brocato points out.
“I was impressed with his many capabilities and experiences in dealing with disaster management, economic development, government finances, the large number of employees he had to manage, and his ability to communicate with citizens, businesses, and elected officials.”
As Hoover City Administrator, Grimes will oversee all aspects of city operations working closely with elected officials, city departments and the community to ensure a thriving and inclusive environment for all residents.
“I am truly excited about the opportunity to lead the City of Hoover as we work toward accomplishing the many goals and projects established by the administration,” Grimes says.
“I see tremendous potential before us and wholeheartedly embrace the City’s vision of “infinite possibilities”. It is achievable! With teamwork, communication, fiscal responsibility, and respect as guiding principles, we can prove there are truly unlimited opportunities to grow Hoover not just for this generation, but the many that are to come.”
For his commitment to excellence, Grimes has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2016, he received the Sam Gaston Vocational Experience Award from the Alabama City County Management Association. In 2020, Business Alabama named him a “Mover and Shaker” in Baldwin County. He has also served as President of the Alabama City County Manager Association.
“I’m excited to welcome Mr. Grimes to the City of Hoover. With over 30 years of experience in municipal government, chambers of commerce, and local print media, Mr. Grimes has the skillset necessary to excel in the position,” says Hoover City Council President John Lyda.
“The City Administrator plays an integral role in the day-to-day delivery of quality services our residents deserve, and I am confident Mr. Grimes will excel in his new role.”
Monday night, the City held a reception in which Grimes met with City Council members and City employees. Shortly after, Brocato formally introduced him. Moments later, the Council gave a unanimous vote in support of Grimes’ hiring.
“I've talked to many people around the state that know Ken, particularly in his professional organizations and he has an outstanding reputation,” Brocato says.
“Those things are obviously very important, and we need to pay close attention to that. He's a family man and a kind person from what I have seen in the days I've met with him. He's very caring and I believe he will be able to work closely with the City Council, City employees, and the mayor, and ultimately serve our citizens in the best possible way.”
Grimes will officially start his new position on October 31, 2023. You can find his full introduction to the City at this link around the 2:25 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC0zZEZatBI&t=86s