Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin adds media personalities to team

I bet you know these two, Birmingham!  Mayor Randall Woodfin tapped Rick Journey and Chanda Temple to lead his public information efforts.

Woodfin’s communication team

Woodfin chose Alabama television journalist Rick Journey as director of communication. His responsibilities include managing all public communication for Woodfin.

Journalist and former Birmingham City Schools spokesperson Chanda Temple will serve as public information officer.

“Our administration’s focus on servant leadership by putting people first starts with transparency and providing a clear message to our citizens and our employees that we will serve with the public’s best interest at the core of our work,” Woodfin said in a statement.

“I am pleased to have Rick and Chanda be part of providing that clear message and joining an administration committed to core values of transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and customer service.”

Sending clear messages

After being elected, Woodfin emphasized plans for open communication. With Journey and Temple in place as the mayor’s public information arm, the mayor’s plan is set in motion.

“The Office of Public Information serves an important role in telling the story of our evolving city. I have called on our team to create a fresh, innovative way to talk with the people of Birmingham—residents, employees, small businesses, media, the city council and all of those who come into the city every day,” Woodfin said.

Rick Journey and Chanda Temple: a little background

Journey is a career reporter with WBRC Fox 6 News. He first joined WBRC in 1992 and stayed until 2012. In 2012 Journey left WBRC to launch his own communications and consulting firm. He returned to WBRC in 2015.

Previously Temple managed public relations for the Birmingham Public Library and Birmingham City Schools. She also worked as a reporter for The Birmingham News. She currently consults for BBVA Compass.

More changes at city hall

Woodfin named Nigel Roberts as director of community development. He previously served as deputy director.

Woodfin tapped Griffin Lassister as director of economic development. He previously worked as a project manager. Alfred Menifeld will serve as director of public works. Menifield previously worked as a deputy director in the department.

Previously, Woodfin named his leadership team. You can read more about them here.