Governor Kay Ivey has announced the appointment of Rex Vaughn as Chairman of the Madison County Commission, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of former Chairman Mac McCutcheon.
“A native of Madison County and longtime owner and operator of Vaughn Farms, Rex Vaughn is well known throughout north Alabama for his tireless advocacy of small business and farming,” said Governor Ivey. “He has forged strong ties within the county and entire Tennessee Valley region, and I have no doubt he will serve the people well as the new Chairman of the Madison County Commission.”
Vaughn, a Madison County farmer and longtime leader in the Alabama Farmers Federation, most recently has been serving as chairman of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. He was elected to the leadership post earlier this year after previously serving as vice chair. He previously served as north area vice president of the Alabama Farmers Federation and as president of the Madison County Farmers Federation.
“I wish to thank Governor Ivey for granting me this opportunity. I will most assuredly serve with the humility that I have always witnessed in my friend, Chairman Mac McCutcheon. The people of Madison County deserve no less,” Vaughn said in the announcement.
A graduate of Sparkman High School, Vaughn received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Agriculture Education degrees from Auburn University.
Ivey’s announcement also praised McCutcheon’s experience and leadership.
“I join the people of Madison County honoring former Chairman Mac McCutcheon as he enters retirement. His remarkable career encompasses nearly two decades as a Huntsville police officer, 16 years in the Alabama Legislature – including six years as Speaker of the House – and finally three years as Madison County Commission Chairman. Mac leaves a proud legacy of selfless service to North Alabama, and I wish him and his wife, Debbie, all the best,” added Governor Ivey.
Citing his desire to spend more time with his family, McCutcheon announced he was stepping down in a letter to the Governor in December, effective March 1. His announcement triggered weeks of discussion about who should succeed him and how the transition should unfold.
In February, the commission unanimously passed a resolution urging the Governor to give “necessary, careful and proper consideration” to appointing a currently serving commissioner to fill the vacancy. District 4 Commissioner Phil Vandiver described the resolution at the time as a respectful request, not a demand, emphasizing the value of continuity in county leadership.
The resolution mirrored community and statewide debate surrounding the commission’s internal dynamics and the pending appointment.
The Governor informed Vaughn of the selection today, March 2. His appointment is effective immediately.
