Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, a member of the Alabama House of Representatives since 2013, will soon resign to become Senate President Pro Tem Garland Gudger’s director of constituent affairs.
The position is new in the pro tem’s office and Shedd starts next week. When he formally resigns from the House, Gov. Kay Ivey will call a special election. House District 11 includes portions of Cullman and Blount counties.
“Rep. Shedd has a reputation as one of the most responsive, hardest working, and tenacious members of the Alabama House, and I know he will bring that same dedication to his new position in the pro tem’s office,” Gudger, R-Cullman, said in a written statement. “He has a long and distinguished record in elected office, and this job will allow him to continue serving the needs of his fellow Alabamians.”
Before his election to the House, Shedd was a Cullman County commissioner and mayor of Fairview.
“Serving in the Alabama Legislature has been a boyhood dream of mine since I was 12 years old, and I am very thankful that God blessed me with that opportunity,” Shedd said. “Leaving the House is bittersweet, but continuing my public service with a strong and energetic young leader like Pro Tem Gudger is a welcome offer that I am most happy to accept.”
Elected to his first public office almost a half-century ago, Shedd is a former chairman of the Cullman County Commission and was mayor of Fairview, his hometown, from 1996 until 2012.
Gudger officially became the Senate’s leader last week. He has also hired Ashley McLain as his office’s deputy chief of staff for policy and budgets. McLain most recently was the governmental affairs director of the School Superintendents of Alabama and previously worked for the Alabama Education Association.
“Ashley McLain’s years of experience and first-hand knowledge provide her with the tools necessary to handle difficult public policy issues and navigate complex budget matters,” Gudger said. “She will track bills and measures as they work their way through the legislative process and keep me informed of changes, amendments, and any hiccups or developments that may occur along the way.”