Mobile Appoints Police Chief, Public Works Executive Director

The Mobile City Council has appointed William R. Jackson as Mobile’s chief of police. Jackson has been a decorated member of the Mobile Police Department for 29 years, having served in various roles from cadet to assistant chief. He has been interim chief since April, when former chief Paul O. Prine was fired. Additionally, Shonnda Smith was confirmed as Mobile’s executive director of public works. In 2019, Smith joined the city as director of parks and recreation and led a major overhaul of the department as the parks director and deputy director of public works. “During that time, she played an instrumental role in both organizations, earning national accreditations for the first time in Mobile’s history,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “As executive director, I am sure [Smith] will continue to make just as big of an impact on public works, which directly impacts the lives of Mobilians daily. Nominating her for this new role was an easy decision and a privilege, and we both appreciate the council confirming her appointment.”