A new city administrator has officially been appointed to help lead growth, development and spending in Gulf Shores and is poised to begin in December.

The city made an announcement on Oct. 23, officially naming Jonathan Walker as the new hire.
According to the statement, Walker previously served at city manager in Chamblee, Georgia, and has 26 years of experience in community development, community administration and budget management. The statement also detailed Walker's role in strengthening the reserve balance, earning an AA+ bond rating, enhancing civic trust and transparency, spearheading the creation and implementation of the city's inaugural operational strategic plan, sustainability plan, mobility plan and capital improvement plan. Wilson also oversaw the construction of a new city hall building, public safety building and 14-acre park in his previous position.

"Gulf Shores is a remarkable city, and I am grateful for Mayor (Robert) Craft and the city council giving me the opportunity to join their team,” Walker said. “I am humbled to be able to serve such an incredible community and am eager to contribute to its continued growth and success."

Walker’s appointment comes following the retirement of the current city administrator, Steve Griffin, who had served in that role since 2013. According to the statement, during his time with the city, Griffin was instrumental in implementing the Vision 2025 Plan for Sustainability, including breaking Gulf Shores City Schools into its own district, developing the Waterway Village District, enhancing medical care through the addition of a new free-standing emergency department and the revitalization of the city’s beach district.

“The city council and I will be forever grateful for what Steve has done for Gulf Shores over the last 10 years,” the mayor said. “We would not be where we are today without him. Steve’s fingerprints are all over this city, and his efforts will continue impacting our community for generations.”

"Before Chamblee, Walker served as the vice president of client programs and services and director of eastern operations for SAFEbuilt Inc., where he was responsible for successfully establishing and managing the capital startup and operations of nine offices across six states, providing essential municipal services to various cities and counties on a contract basis," the release said. "Additional roles served throughout his career included interim city manager of Avondale Estates, Georgia, and city manager of Jonesboro, Georgia, and a position as a policy analyst with the Georgia Governor's Office of Policy and Budget."

According to the statement, Walker was selected from a pool of over 50 candidates after five months of meticulous research, analysis and consideration. Council also received assistance from Bob Slavin, president of Slavin Management Consultants, who contributed in selecting Griffin.

“We are extremely excited to have Jonathan join our team. He brings not only tremendous experience but also a proven track record of getting things done,” Craft said. “We had many highly qualified candidates, but it was clear Jonathan is the perfect fit to step in and lead our team into a really exciting time as we begin charting our future with Vision 2035.”

According to the release, Walker holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Georgia. He is projected to begin his position on Dec. 4.