Prattville names Dawn Russell interim executive assistant to mayor

Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie appointed Dawn Russell as interim executive assistant to the mayor during the city council meeting on Jan. 6. Russell, who previously served as the city's cemetery and grant administrator, will retain those responsibilities while adding administrative support for the mayor's office, including schedule management, coordinating communications, and day-to-day operations.

The appointment follows the resignation of the previous executive assistant, Lisa Byrd. City officials described Russell's interim role as a step to maintain continuity in municipal services and internal workflow at City Hall. No timeline for a permanent hire was announced at the meeting.

Russell's dual role means residents seeking cemetery services or grant information should expect continuity in those offices. Keeping the cemetery and grant administration under the same person handling mayoral scheduling and communications aims to reduce disruption in routine functions such as burial records, plot sales, grant applications, and reporting processes. Residents who regularly interact with those departments may notice fewer interruptions than would occur during a full staffing change.

For the mayor's office, Russell will manage the mayor's calendar, help coordinate responses to constituent communications, and handle daily operational matters that keep the office responsive. That administrative backbone affects everything from the scheduling of council agendas and public meetings to the routing of resident requests to the right departments. Local organizations and community groups arranging meetings with the mayor's office should continue to use established channels and check the city's mayor's office page online for current contact details.

Prattville is the seat of Autauga County, and smooth administration at City Hall matters beyond downtown: cemetery administration touches many families across the county, while grant management can affect local infrastructure, parks, and public programs. Having a single, experienced administrator overseeing both municipal grants and mayoral operations may help keep pending grant timelines and project applications on track during the interim period.

City residents who need to reach the mayor's office or the cemetery and grant offices should consult the mayor’s office page on the city website for up-to-date contact information and office hours before making in-person visits. Expect routine business to proceed, but allow for small delays as Russell balances both portfolios.

Our two cents? Treat this as a continuity win for Prattville: verify contact details online before heading to City Hall, and be patient while the city fills the permanent executive assistant role. If you depend on cemetery or grant services, a quick call ahead can save time and ensure your request lands with the right person.