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Mayor
   Jimmy C. Lunsford   

Mayor's Biography

Troy and Pike County Native - born in the Needmore Community and attended Troy City Schools.

Mayor Lunsford attended the University of Alabama and Auburn University at Montgomery.  He worked for the Alabama Development Office, State of Alabama - the State's industry recruiting and economic development department.

Upon leaving ADO, Mayor Lunsford entered the life and health insurance business, serving 28 years in the Troy area.

Mayor Lunsford is a retired Major in the Transportation Division of the Alabama National Guard, having served 22 years.

Jimmy Lunsford was elected to the City Commission in 1982, and was elected mayor in 1985, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and again in 2004.  He currently serves as Mayor of Troy, but also serves on several major statewide governmental boards and agencies.  His interest in serving politically was derived from his father who was very active in Pike County politics.  Mayor Lunsford fondly states "my father was an 8^th grade educated dirt farmer but the smartest man I have ever known".

Mayor Lunsford served 11 years on the Board of Trustees of Edge Regional Medical Center (now Troy Regional Medical Center) as a public hospital.  He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of TRMC since its sale to Community Health Systems, Inc.  Mayor Lunsford led the year-long study that culminated with the sale of Edge Regional.

Mayor Lunsford served on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Alabama Gas District, a public corporation that furnishes natural gas to Southeast Alabama.

Some accomplishments listed by Mayor Lunsford as Mayor of Troy include:

• Active in the recruitment of Lockheed Martin, KW Can, Lowe's, Miltope, Sikorsky Support Services and most proud of working with local existing industry in several expansions and creation of new ventures.
• Increased recreational opportunities through a new modern sportsplex facility, a new larger library building, a senior center complex and established parks and walking trails for the enjoyment of all.
• Negotiated the sale of Edge Regional Medical Center resulting in better and more stable healthcare for the citizens, and better working conditions for physicians and staff.  Another aspect was the creation of a $15,000,000 trust fund to be perpetual in nature and provide earnings to improve services for citizens forever.  This fund came from proceeds of sale of hospital.
• Mayor Lunsford works closely with Troy University to provide cultural and educational opportunities, and the "Town and Gown" relationship is the envy of other state universities.
• A new "state of the art" elementary school has been built and funding for education has been increased 3-fold.

Mayor Lunsford is married to the former Faye Stephens; they have a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Joy Lunsford, a daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Bill Stoltze. And, Mayor Lunsford is the proud grandfather of Jaxen Grady Lunsford, Mary Ruth Stoltze and Jennalee Rose Lunsford.