By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER – Managing editor
The hunt for the EMA director position has yielded four applications already. The closing date is set for the end of this week.
According to County Administrator Tony Sanks, two applicants are from Brewton, one is from Monroe County and the final applicant's address displayed on the resume is from Range, Ala. All four applicants are male.
EMA Director David Jennings announced last week during a county commission meeting that he would be resigning from the office, effective April 21. Jennings told commissioners that he regretted leaving his position but felt his move to the private sector would benefit himself and his family.
Jennings said he would remain visible and hands-on with the search for the new director, as well as help train the new director during the upcoming hurricane season if needed.
Based on the job criteria, which has been advertised through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and other entities since Jennings' announcement, the starting salary for the new director will be set at $30,000 to $40,000, depending upon qualifications.
The new director will be appointed by commissioners, which was a new move approved by the commission during its scheduled meeting last week.
Commissioner Larry White had said he felt the position deserved to be declassified and made an appointed position, due to the amount of responsibility involved and the amount of training.
Sanks said Tuesday he was surprised only four individuals had submitted their resumes, but added several other people had inquired about the position and would probably submit their resume soon.
The close of the ad has been set for the end of the workday on April 7. After Friday, all applications will be sent to the state EMA office, where officials will help review and select the most qualified candidates.
Sanks said he was hopeful commissioners would try to hire a new director by the end of Jennings' term, and selected candidates would be interviewed as quickly as possible.