DAYTON CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SELECTS GEORGE LADD AS NEW CITY MANAGER
The Herald News in Rhea County reports that the Dayton City Council selected George Ladd of Fairhope, Ala., as the new Dayton City Manager to succeed retiring David Shinn in a special-called meeting on Wednesday, offering him a $150,000 annual salary and a start date of January 5, 2026, with the requirement to establish legal residency in Rhea County within six months.
Ladd emerged as the top choice from five candidates—Michelle Horton, Doug Keylon, David Strahl, and David Barnes—after initial interviews and a second round with Ladd and Barnes. The motion to extend the offer was made by Council Member McKenzie Boling and seconded by Vice Mayor Caleb Yawn, with Boling praising Ladd’s readiness to lead.
Tammy Colvin will continue as interim city manager until Ladd’s hiring is finalized; the council directed human resources to formally offer the position and report back on Ladd’s response, which was not available by Wednesday night.
