Biography
Jamie and his family have lived in Alabaster since 1998. This is his second term as council representative for Ward 5. Jamie applies his experience as a 30-year marketing and journalism professional to his roles as chair of the city's PR and Marketing committee, which in his first term completely rebranded the city and relaunched its official magazine while helping revamp the city government's communication strategies with the goal of transparency. He also serves as chair of the newly formed entertainment committee, which will help manage the city's entertainment venues including the new amphitheater, a project he helped champion. He serves on the Public Works committee and is proud of the infrastructure improvements accomplished in Ward 5 during his first term.
He has served as a director and officer with the Alabaster Arts Council and is one of the key organizers of Alabaster CityFest, including artist relations, marketing and media. He also currently serves on the board of directors for Alabaster Water, and has served on the Alabaster City Schools Foundation board of directors.
Aside from civic and professional work, Jamie serves on the board of directors for the American Agricultural Editors' Association and the Alabama Governor’s School (where he also teaches journalism every summer), and leads worship at his church.
Jamie's wife, Charissa, is the principal at Creek View Elementary School. His son, Sullivan, is a senior at Thompson High School, where he plays football and is a musician in the band.
Education & Experience
Jamie began his professional career at Progressive Farmer magazine, where he was Managing Editor and helped guide the magazine’s print and digital efforts, including the popular “Best Places To Live In Rural America” program. He is currently Creative Director and owner of Red Barn Media Group, a small marketing business focused on rural life and agriculture, and works from his home office in Ward 5.
Jamie graduated from Jacksonville State University. He was the John C. Turner Outstanding Graduate in Communication, and served as president of the Jacksonville chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and as Editor in Chief of JSU’s award-winning student newspaper, The Chanticleer. He also taught journalism courses at JSU. He received a master’s degree in Journalism at the University of Alabama, and also received the department’s Outstanding Graduate Student award. He taught in the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and was a member of the school’s Institute for Communication and Information Research Advisory Board.
Family
Jamie's wife, Charissa, is the principal at Creek View Elementary School. His son, Sullivan, is a senior at Thompson High School, where he plays football and is a musician in the band.