Kenneth Cox, a longtime coach, administrator, and civic leader, has announced his candidacy for Hoover City Council in the city’s upcoming municipal election on August 26.
A resident of Hoover, Cox said he is running to build “a stronger, more connected community where every voice is heard,” highlighting plans to prioritize opportunity, safety, and growth for all residents.
“I’ve spent my life bringing people together and delivering results; now, I’m ready to serve our city with that same dedication and vision,” Cox said in a statement announcing his campaign.
Cox brings more than two decades of experience in leadership, mentoring, and public service. He served as associate athletic director and head coach of cross country and track and field at Birmingham-Southern College, where his teams captured seven NCAA Division III national championships. In 2024, he was inducted into the Birmingham-Southern College Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions.
Outside of athletics, Cox has been active in numerous community organizations. He currently serves as vice chair of Leadership Hoover, resource development chair for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Alabama, and a board member for both the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. He is also serving as the senior games manager for the 2025 World Police & Fire Games.
Cox’s leadership extends nationally as well, having served as president of the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, where he worked on initiatives to advance the sport.
He holds an Executive MBA from Faulkner University, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an honorary doctorate in philosophy from Trinity International University of Ambassadors.
Cox and his wife, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, live in Hoover with their three children—Bailey, Khloe, and Evan. The family attends The Worship Center Christian Church, where Cox serves as a deacon.
In Hoover, all seven city council seats are elected at-large, meaning each council member represents the entire city rather than a designated district.
Cox has not yet announced which specific seat he plans to seek.
