Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Pat Simpson has officially joined the Orange Beach City Council, taking the Place 3 seat after being appointed by city leaders. He was sworn in at a City Hall ceremony. Family members stood by his side as he took the oath. The appointment fills a recent council vacancy.

The swearing-in took place on Friday afternoon in the Council Chambers. Orange Beach Municipal Judge Michael A. Dasinger administered the oath of office. Simpson was accompanied by his wife, Claudia, and his son, Hunter, at the ceremony.

The City Council appointed Simpson during its regular Tuesday meeting. He fills the Place 3 seat left vacant after Jerry Johnson stepped down for family reasons. The council moved quickly to ensure the position did not remain vacant.

Before joining the council, Simpson served on the Orange Beach Planning Commission. He had been a member since 2017 and most recently served as Vice Chairman. His experience in local planning helped prepare him for the new position.

Simpson is also known for a long career in television. He hosted the national home-improvement show "Backyard America" on TNN. In 1994, he hosted one of HGTV’s earliest series, “Fix-It-Up!”

After retiring from television, Simpson entered the business world. In 2006, he and his wife founded Simpson Properties Group in Orange Beach. The company has been part of the local business community for years.

Simpson and his wife have three children, Lindsey, Shelby, and Hunter. They also have four grandchildren. His appointment brings both public service experience and private-sector knowledge to the council.