County Commission | The Magazine October 2018 | Page 21

FROM THE COVER IN PROFILE Vice President Randy Vest I t may not be enough for 67 counties to speak with One Voice now that Randy Vest is an officer. The longtime gospel musician could put counties on the path to singing with One Voice. Vest, a two-term commissioner from Morgan County, has just been elected vice president of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. According to the traditional officer rotation, he will be sworn in as ACCA president in August 2020. In every field of endeavor, the Association’s effectiveness hinges on county unity, he said, just like singing in unison. “I’d encourage every commissioner to be the servant leader that the people expect of them and to take a greater role and be committed to work toward the good of all 67 counties.” He urges fellow commissioners Hon. Randy Vest, throughout the state to call on him. ACCA Vice President “If there’s any way I can help them, I’ll Morgan County’s District 2 be more than willing to try,” said Vest, 59. Commissioner since 2010 “There’s no embarrassment in sharing a need, because chances are — out of 67 counties — PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND someone else has already had that need and • Former small business owner with about 30 years in the family automotive repair shop had to deal with it. The experience of how • Maintenance supervisor at an industrial coatings facility from 2002-2010 they worked through that process is very EDUCATION Level II Certificate, Alabama Local Government Training Institute valuable to each of us.” FAMILY Three adult children and seven grandchildren Morgan County has a solid track record of deep engagement in the Association by PERSONAL INTERESTS • Life-long gospel vocalist and musician both elected officials and department • Devoted grandfather who loves teaching grandchildren to fish, heads. In fact, Chairman Ray Long use a lawnmower and drive a tractor served as 2015-2016 ACCA President • Superfan of grandsons’ sports teams and has remained active on the Board of • Lover of long drives in his convertible with his wife of almost 41 years Directors. ACCA ENGAGEMENT Vest’s fellow commissioners • Member, PLAN 2016, the inaugural class of the Association’s leadership program • Member, 2017-2018 Legislative Committee made sure he got plugged in with the • Presenter, 2016 Association of County Administrators of Alabama Conference, Association from the beginning, both on subject of reforming boards of registrars for what he would gain and for what he STATE-LEVEL LEADERSHIP could contribute to “67 Counties, One • Alabama Board of Registrars Legislation Task Force Member, appointed by Voice.” He completed the mandatory Secretary of State John Merrill education program for commissioners, went on to achieve graduate-level @RandyVest256 Randy Vest certification from the Alabama Local [email protected] [phone] Government Training Institute and actively Get to Know… Morgan County COUNTY COMMISSION | 21