Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon stepping down

HUNTSVILLE – Citing a need to spend quality time with his family, Mac McCutcheon is stepping down as chairman of the Madison County Commission.

McCutcheon submitted a letter Monday to Gov. Kay Ivey announcing his retirement effective March 1.   

The longtime North Alabama public servant has a career that has spanned law enforcement, state government leadership, as well as local county leadership. 

A native of Madison County, McCutcheon served 16 years in the Alabama House of Representatives representing District 25, which includes parts of Madison, Huntsville and surrounding communities. He was elected by his colleagues as the 66th Speaker of the Alabama House in 2016 and was re-elected to that leadership position in 2019. He chose not to seek re-election in 2022, stepping down from the Legislature later that year. 

In January 2023, Gov. Kay Ivey appointed McCutcheon to serve as Madison County Commission Chairman, filling the remainder of the term vacated by Dale Strong after Strong’s election to the U.S. House of Representatives. McCutcheon was subsequently elected to his first full term in November 2024. 

Before entering elected office, McCutcheon served 25 years with the Huntsville Police Department, working in roles ranging from hostage negotiation to probation officer, and has also worked as a farmer and associate pastor. 

As county commission chairman, McCutcheon has emphasized infrastructure, public safety, transportation and quality of life in one of the fastest-growing regions in Alabama. He has outlined long-term plans for road and water improvements and has stressed proactive planning to address growth-related challenges. 

McCutcheon’s leadership has won local recognition, including being named a Distinguished Service Award recipient by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce in early 2024 for his years of service to the community. 

Under McCutcheon’s chairmanship, the commission has continued to focus on supporting Madison County’s rapid growth with strategic planning and community-focused programs that aim to enhance public services and economic opportunities.