Raymond Smith City Council – At Large
Ray Smith is seeking his first elected office as he runs for Council at Large, a seat soon to be voluntarily vacated by Dr. Griff Gordy. With a career spanning over three decades in Phenix City, Smith has held appointments as Police Chief, Assistant City Manager, and Public Safety Director.
Born in Fort Benning and raised in Phenix City, Smith hails from a family deeply rooted in public service. His father, also named Ray Smith, served in the military before dedicating his career to the Russell County Sheriff’s Department and later the Department of Parole. Smith and his wife, Julie, have a blended family of five sons. After graduating from Chavala High School, Smith joined the Phenix City Police Department in 1989. He earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree in human services from Troy University in 1995. He continued at Troy to obtain a master’s degree in psychology in 1996. In 2006, Smith completed executive training at the FBI National Academy, a program designed for law enforcement leaders.
His affiliations include memberships in the Alabama Chiefs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the FBI National Academy Associates. He has been a board member of the United Way for approximately 10 years. Outside of work, Smith enjoys target shooting, competitive long-range rifle events, and motorcycle riding.
Smith’s decision to run for city council was influenced by the retirement of Dr. Gordy, the current council member.
“If he was running, I would not have run,” Smith stated, acknowledging Gordy’s service.
A significant concern for Smith is the city’s aging infrastructure, particularly the water and wastewater treatment facilities. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce to manage these technical systems and the need for continuous infrastructure improvements to support the city’s growth.
With a comprehensive understanding of Phenix City’s operations and challenges, Smith is poised to bring his experience and dedication to the city council, aiming to foster continued growth and community well-being.
“I’m looking forward to the community engagement and to working with the council that, if I get elected, to make sure that we keep the projects that are on the books, get them done, and start looking for other projects that we need to continue to grow the city and make it more comfortable, enjoyable for everyone,” Smith said.
