Governor Riley Appoints Former Foley Mayor Tim Russell as Revenue Commissioner

MONTGOMERY—Governor Bob Riley announced Friday he is appointing former Foley mayor Tim Russell to serve as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Revenue.  Russell is filling the vacancy created when former Revenue Commissioner Tom Surtees become Director of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations last September.

 

“Tim Russell is an outstanding leader and a great addition to our Cabinet.  His commitment to public service, his experience and his strong work ethic will be valuable to all citizens as he serves our state as Revenue Commissioner,” said Governor Riley.

 “I want to thank Governor Riley for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Alabama,” said Russell.  “The Governor has assembled a world-class Cabinet and I am humbled to be a member of it.  As a lifelong Alabamian, I look forward to serving all Alabamians as we move forward.”

Russell has been the president of the Baldwin Mutual Insurance Company since 1998, a position he will relinquish when his appointment as Revenue Commissioner becomes effective on March 3.  He served as Foley’s mayor for three terms, from 1996-2006.  He also served as a Captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.

Russell has also served as the past president of many community organizations, including the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the South Baldwin United Way, the Foley Rotary Club, and the Foley Library Board.

Assistant Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Underwood has served as the agency’s acting director since Surtees went to the Department of Industrial Relations last September.

“I want to thank Cynthia Underwood for her dedicated service during this transition,” said Governor Riley.  “She is doing an excellent job and will continue her high level of service to the people of Alabama at the Revenue Department.” 

For more information, contact the Governor’s Press Office at (334) 242-7150.