Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The City of Orange Beach is expressing heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Councilman Jerry Johnson as he steps down from the Orange Beach City Council to devote his time and energy to his family during a deeply personal health crisis. Councilman Johnson announced his resignation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, sharing that his 14-year-old grandson, Jacob, has been hospitalized and is awaiting a heart transplant once he regains sufficient strength. Johnson, who has served the City of Orange Beach with distinction for more than 13 years, made the difficult decision after recognizing that his family's needs required his full and undivided attention. The City of Orange Beach honors his selfless commitment — both to this community and to his family — and asks residents to join in keeping Councilman Johnson, his wife Yolanda, and young Jacob in their thoughts and prayers. 

From the City of Orange Beach: The City of Orange Beach announced yesterday that Councilman Jerry Johnson will resign from the Orange Beach City Council due to family reasons.

Councilman Johnson has served the citizens of Orange Beach with dedication and integrity since being elected to the City Council, first taking office in November 2012. During his time on the council, he has been a steady and thoughtful leader, helping guide the City through continued growth while remaining deeply committed to the people, businesses and community organizations that make Orange Beach special.

“Jerry Johnson has given more than a decade of faithful service to the City of Orange Beach, and we are grateful for his leadership, his wisdom and his love for this community,” said Mayor Tony Kennon. “Jerry has always led with faith, family and service, and we fully support him and Yo as they focus on their family during this difficult time. We ask our community to keep their family in their prayers.”

In addition to his role as Chairman Pro Tem, Johnson chairs the Council’s Telecommunications and Technology Committee and serves on the City’s Government Legislative Committee and the Health Care Authority Board of Directors. He also represents the City on the Gulf Shores International Airport Authority Board of Directors and the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber Board of Directors.

Throughout Councilman Johnson’s 13-plus-year tenure, Orange Beach has achieved significant economic growth and celebrated major milestones including the creation of Orange Beach City Schools serving 1,300+ students grades K4 through 12 and one of the top school districts in the state; the opening of Orange Beach Middle and High School and the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center; the launch of major school athletic facility improvements; continued investment in transportation and infrastructure; expanded public recreation amenities and environmental initiatives. Johnson’s engineering background and steady leadership have been especially valuable as the City has navigated growth, infrastructure planning, technology needs and long-term quality-of-life investments for residents.

A graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Johnson retired from Alabama Power Company in 2005. A native of Bessemer, he has been a resident of Orange Beach for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Yolanda, have been active supporters of ministries, charities and community causes throughout Orange Beach and the surrounding area.

The City Council and administration remain focused on continuing the work of the City and serving the residents of Orange Beach without interruption. The City will follow the process outlined by Alabama State Law, Section 11-44G-1, which states, “A vacancy in the office of city council member in any Class 8 municipality shall be filled by the city council at the next regular meeting or any subsequent meeting of the council.” The city council has 60 days from the declaration of vacancy to make the appointment.