The Central Alabama Water Board reelected Chairman Tommy Hudson and Vice Chairman Phillip Wiedmeyer to additional one-year terms Friday as the utility continues its transition under a new regional governance structure.

The board also elected Shan Paden as secretary during its regularly scheduled meeting. Chief Financial Officer Lester Smith was elected treasurer in accordance with the utility’s bylaws.

“I’m thankful my fellow board members reelected me to lead our efforts,” Hudson said. “We’ve made a lot of progress over the past year, and I look forward to what we will accomplish in the future.”

Hudson said the board will remain focused on customers and industry standards as it works to improve the utility.

“I plan for us to continue focusing on what is best for our customers and following industry best practices to build a world-class water utility,” he said.

Wiedmeyer said he looks forward to continuing his work with the board, management, and staff.

“It has been an honor to serve our customers as vice-chairman and I’m glad to continue in this role,” Wiedmeyer said. “I appreciate my fellow board members placing their trust in me and will work closely with them, Chairman Hudson and our management and staff to continually improve our water system.”

“I want our customers to know that their best interest will always be top of mind.”

Central Alabama Water is the successor to the utility formerly known as Birmingham Water Works.

The Alabama Legislature approved a major overhaul of the utility’s governance structure in 2025, replacing its nine-member board with a seven-member regional board. The law redistributed appointment authority among Birmingham officials, the governor, lieutenant governor, and officials from surrounding counties served by the system.

The utility later adopted the Central Alabama Water name as part of its transition toward a broader regional identity.

Central Alabama Water’s bylaws call for officers to be elected each year at the board’s first meeting in July. Officers serve one-year terms and may be reelected.

The utility operates four water treatment facilities and maintains more than 4,150 miles of water mains across Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties.

It provides water service to more than 1 million people across central Alabama.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].