According to a news release from the City of Mobile on Monday, Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis has announced a leadership team of experienced professionals and civil servants who will help lead his administration and the City of Mobile.
According to the city, his inaugural cabinet strikes a balance between “continuity and fresh perspective,” featuring several leaders who served with former Mayor Sandy Stimpson and helped drive Mobile’s growth and progress over the past 12 years.
While most of the city’s executive directors and department heads will continue in their current roles, Mayor Cheriogotis has adjusted the city’s organizational structure.
Rather than having a Chief of Staff, he has established a direct reporting structure with eight cabinet members who will oversee major areas of city operations, the city reports.
The city also reiterated Mayor Cheriogotis’ priorities around improving public safety, supporting growth and development, enhancing city services, and elevating Mobilians’ quality of life.
“Mayor Stimpson built an incredible team, and I am excited to work alongside some of the exceptional leaders who helped him transform Mobile over the last decade,” Mayor Cheriogotis said.
“We will also be implementing a new leadership structure that will allow me to have a complete view of what’s happening across every city department and better support the exceptional work already being done.”
The members of Mayor Cheriogotis’ Administrative Cabinet include:
Senior Advisor, Director of Civic and Cultural Affairs — Cory Adair
An experienced strategist who has led local and statewide political operations, Adair is well-versed in public policy and will serve as a senior advisor to the mayor. As a former member of the Mobile Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees and Foundation, he will also oversee the city’s museums and city-appointed boards.
Chief of Operations — James Barber
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and 28-year veteran of the Mobile Police Department, Barber rose to the rank of Chief of Police and later served as Public Safety Director before becoming Chief of Staff to Mayor Sandy Stimpson. As Chief of Operations, Barber will oversee the Public Works, Finance, and Engineering and Infrastructure departments.
Chief of Building and Planning — Shayla Beaco
With more than 25 years of experience in urban planning and community development, Beaco previously served as Executive Director of Build Mobile — overseeing planning, historic development, building inspections, and zoning. In this role, she will continue to improve the processes that help Mobile’s businesses and neighborhoods thrive.
Executive Liaison to City Council — Keysha Brown
In her role as Executive Liaison to the City Council, Brown will put years of experience to work strengthening the relationship and alignment between the Mayor’s Office and the City Council. Her leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, accountability, and continued progress for the City of Mobile and all seven City Council districts.
Executive Director of Public Affairs — Candace Cooksey
A seasoned political consultant and public affairs professional, Cooksey has nearly 20 years of experience in communications and government relations. She joined the City of Mobile in 2020 and has served as Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs and as a Senior Political Advisor to Mayor Stimpson.
Executive Director of Public Safety — Curtis L. Graves
A respected public safety leader with more than a decade of law enforcement experience, Graves has earned statewide recognition for advancing trauma-informed and prevention-first approaches to policing. He is committed to making Mobile safer and strengthening partnerships that support victims, families, and communities.
Chief of Administrative Services — Capt. Joseph H. Snowden (Ret.)
A 32-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Coast Guard, Capt. Snowden gained extensive leadership experience in the armed services. Since 2020, he has overseen Administrative Services, which includes the Mobile Cruise Terminal, Risk Management, Animal Services, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
City Attorney — Ricardo Woods
The managing partner at Burr Forman LLP, Woods has practiced law in Mobile for over 20 years and has more than a decade of experience representing elected officials and public-sector entities, including the City of Mobile.
Mayor Cheriogotis was elected as Mayor of Mobile in September in a historic election to replace Sandy Stimpson’s four-term legacy of service as Mayor.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
