Kim Hall - Cullman City Council Place 5

Leanne is a local treasure! I so appreciate all she does for the citizens of Cullman!

Leanne West: The Heart (and Headset) of Cullman City Hall

If you’ve ever called the mayor’s office in Cullman, Alabama, or fired off a frustrated comment on the city’s page, chances are you’ve had a conversation with Leanne West and walked away feeling a little better, even if you started out mad.

Leanne has been a steady presence at City Hall since December 1997, nearly 29 years. Born and raised in Cullman County, she grew up in Fairview, attended Fairview School from first through twelfth grade, and started at the city as an accounting clerk doing accounts receivable. When the mayor’s secretary had health issues and was out frequently, Leanne stepped in to help. When that secretary retired, Leanne just… stayed. She’s been in the mayor’s office for about 28 of those 29 years, serving under four different mayors.

Her official title is Executive Assistant to the Mayor, but “crisis manager” might be more accurate on some days. A big part of the day is answering phone calls and emails from people who’ve already been pushed around or feel like they’re getting the runaround. “They’re usually at their worst when they get to me,” she says with a grin. But Leanne has a gift: she listens, lets them vent, and most of the time they calm down.

She also oversees the city website and social media accounts, sends out app notifications, schedules meetings, issues special event permits, books the Richter Chapel for weddings, prepares the door schedule for City Hall, writes press releases, and serves as recorder for the Tree Commission, a role she’s held for about 15 years. And if you’ve ever seen someone jump into a Facebook comment thread with the facts, that’s usually Leanne. “It irritates me when people say things that just aren’t true,” she admits. “I don’t mind if they don’t like something, but when it’s flat-out wrong… I can’t always hold back,” she laughs.

Despite dealing with frustrated callers, Leanne’s favorite part of the job is the people. She’s an introvert at heart, but this role has let her meet folks she now calls friends — some of whom started as angry voices on the other end of the line. Her coworkers are another highlight: “We all get along really well. Yesterday somebody started singing a song lyric and I sang the next line from my office. That kind of thing.”

Outside of work, Leanne and her husband have a family with 11 grandkids total. She keeps three of them some nights and loves every minute. She runs a small print-on-demand side business online (Epileptical) and still sells Avon. The couple lives in Spring Hill, where her husband handles most of the gardening.

Leanne has seen Cullman grow and change through multiple mayoral transitions. She’s quick to defend the people who serve the city. “Nobody’s running for mayor or council to get rich at this level,” she says. “They live here. Their families drive on these same roads. They genuinely want to make Cullman better.”

After nearly three decades, Leanne West still loves her job. She’s the friendly voice on the other end of the phone, the defender of facts online, the keeper of city records and proclamations, and the proud grandma who’ll happily tell you where to get the best Mexican food in town.

So next time you call City Hall or spot her replying on Facebook, say hello. You’re talking to one of Cullman’s longest-serving, and most dedicated public servants.

MCTV Reporter: Tiffany McKoy

The latest edition of Cullman City Connection is now available online. Read about recent City Council actions, community events, public safety initiatives, infrastructure projects, local recognitions, and other updates from around the City of Cullman. Stay informed and connected by reading the full newsletter at https://cullmanal.gov/newsletter/

The City of Cullman is currently seeking someone to serve on the CATS-55 Board. Other volunteer board and committee positions are also available. This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved, serve the community, and help support programs and initiatives that make a difference locally. Applicants must reside within the City of Cullman. Apply online here: https://cullmanal.gov/board-application/

It was a great day! Thank goodness the rain held off long enough for everyone to have a nice lunch! I enjoyed seeing all the city employees in one place. So many hard working and dedicated people taking care of our city and our citizens!

🎉 Congratulations to Officer Matt Hollingsworth on 15 years of dedicated service with the Cullman Police Department!

Thank you for your commitment and the impact you’ve made on the Cullman community.

Congratulations to Coach Will Drake of Cullman High School Soccer on being named the 6A Boys’ Coach of the Year by the Alabama High School Soccer Coaches Association 👏⚽️

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Today, our community and our state witnessed democracy in action.

I want to commend every candidate who stepped into the arena and was willing to serve, lead, and put themselves before the public. Running for office requires sacrifice, courage, resilience, and a willingness to endure scrutiny in pursuit of something bigger than yourself.

No matter the outcome, each person who chose to participate deserves respect for being willing to serve our community and engage in the process. Public service is not easy, and those who are willing to stand in the arena carry a responsibility few truly understand.

Thank you to every candidate, every poll worker, and every citizen who exercised their right to vote today. Strong communities are built when people are willing to show up, speak up, and serve.

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…” Theodore Roosevelt