The Madison County Commission is formally urging Governor Kay Ivey to appoint the county’s next commission chairman from among its current members following the retirement announcement of Chairman Mac McCutcheon.
McCutcheon announced in December he will retire effective March 1, 2026.
In a resolution unanimously adopted at its regularly called meeting earlier this week, the commission asked the governor to give “necessary, careful and proper consideration” to appointing a currently serving commissioner to fill the vacancy.
The resolution was transmitted by County Attorney Jeff Rich to members of Madison County’s legislative delegation.
The vote was approved by the commission’s voting members: Chairman Mac McCutcheon and Commissioners Tom Brandon (District 1), Steve Haraway (District 2), Craig Hill (District 3), Phil Vandiver (District 4), Phil Riddick (District 5), and Violet Edwards (District 6).
Under Alabama law, the governor is responsible for appointing a replacement when a vacancy occurs in the chairman’s office.
According to Ivey’s office, the governor will make an appointment once the vacancy occurs.
“She hopes to be able to appoint a replacement as soon as possible after he leaves office,” Gina Maiola told 256 Today.
In its resolution, the commission highlighted that the current members collectively bring 68 years of experience to the board and argued that the county’s rapid growth requires seasoned leadership.
The resolution states Madison County is experiencing “unprecedented growth” and identifies major ongoing initiatives, including:
- Road and bridge construction
- A new courthouse and administration building
- Development and protection of water resources
- Inmate housing and care
- Community and event center projects
Commissioners wrote that these challenges “will be better served by leadership who has been engaged and involved,” emphasizing the importance of continuity rather than bringing in someone without the board’s institutional knowledge.
The request, the resolution states, is intended to preserve the “stability and momentum” of Madison County for the benefit of taxpayers.
McCutcheon, a former Alabama House Speaker and longtime Huntsville police officer, was appointed chairman by Gov. Ivey in January 2023 after Dale Strong was elected to Congress. He was later elected to a full term in November 2024.
His retirement sets up another gubernatorial appointment in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing counties.
While the commission has now formally expressed its preference, political observers note that rumors have been circulating that Gov. Ivey may have someone outside the current commission in mind for the appointment. There are also reports that members of the Alabama Legislature have opinions regarding who should assume the chairmanship.
Governor Ivey is not bound by the resolution and has not announced a timeline for selecting McCutcheon’s successor.
