Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Administrator, Ken Grimes, has just been appointed as the new City Administrator for Hoover, Alabama. Grimes will succeed Allan Rice, who retired after being placed on administrative leave in June. The announcement was made by Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato during yesterday’s city council meeting.

Grimes brings with him a wealth of experience, having served Orange Beach for over 14 years as its City Administrator before transitioning to the role of Director of External Affairs in November 2022. Before his tenure in Orange Beach, Grimes held various positions including Special Projects Coordinator for the city, President and CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, and seven years with the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce.

Out of more than 50 applicants, Mayor Brocato selected Grimes for his extensive experience in municipal administration. Grimes was highly recommended by his colleagues throughout the state, according to Brocato. Allen Pate, Hoover’s executive director, also endorsed Grimes, stating that he has known him for 17–18 years and believes Grimes is well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role.

Grimes is expected to assume his new role around the end of October or the beginning of November. His base salary will be $214,781, with additional compensation for his postsecondary degree.

Grimes is particularly skilled in economic development, parks and recreation, and disaster management. He has dealt with challenges such as hurricanes and the BP oil spill, and has experience liaising with state and federal officials in disaster recovery.

Grimes expressed excitement about the opportunity to lead Hoover, a city with a population estimated at over 90,000, compared to Orange Beach's 8,500 residents. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, fiscal responsibility, and respect as guiding principles for the city's growth.