Government Market News StaffProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is Sam Gaston, city manager of Mountain Brook, Alabama.
My public career highlights and education: I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration from Auburn University. My municipal government career includes roles in Decatur, Gulf Shores and Anniston, Alabama. I served as city manager of Powder Springs, Georgia between 1992 and 1993 and have been city manager of Mountain Brook for 22 years.
I’ve served as president of the Alabama City-County Management Association and the Alabama chapter of the American Planning Association, as well as ICMA regional vice president and president. I also taught MPA courses at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Regent University.
What I like best about my public service is: I love the opportunity to serve and work with others. In this profession, we can solve problems, improve the quality of life, make a difference in the community and in individuals’ lives. Public Service is a “calling.” I try to bring passion, determination and professionalism to my role each and every day.
The best advice I’ve received: “You catch a lot more flies with sugar than you do with vinegar.” – My Mother
“Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.” – My Dad
“Cost and Value are not the same.” – Not sure where this came from!
One thing I wish more people knew about my division of public service: Local government has a greater impact on your quality of life than the federal or state governments.
A project or initiative we’re currently working on is: I am working on several projects and plan to close most of them out or have them at a place to be finished when I retire. That includes bridge projects, two sidewalk projects, securing a grant for a third sidewalk project, replacing generators along US Highway 280, finishing and adopting updated master plans for two city parks and completing two roundabouts in our city.
People might be interested to know that: I am a “PK” (Preacher’s Kid). My parents were wonderful examples to me in service to others. I have also traveled to all 50 states.
