CULLMAN, Ala. – Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA), is set to retire after decades of service in Cullman, bringing to a close a career defined by steady growth, long-term planning and an emphasis on relationships and collaboration.
Greer was named director of the CEDA effective June 1, 2017, following the retirement of longtime director Peggy Smith.
Greer had already spent approximately 25 years with the agency prior to assuming the director role, giving him more than three decades of total service with CEDA.
“This is a great community with a strong foundation already in place. My goal is to build on that foundation and continue working with our partners to make sure Cullman stays competitive for the future,” Greer said during a 2017 transition interview.
During Greer’s tenure as director, Cullman consistently earned national recognition among micropolitan communities from Site Selection Magazine, including top-10 rankings from 2017-2022, and 2024, with a No. 2 national ranking in 2023.
While the micropolitan designation is largely unfamiliar to the general public, it is widely used among economic developers to compare communities of similar size based on job growth, investment activity and long-term economic momentum. Cullman’s repeated high placement signaled sustained performance rather than a single-year surge.
Between the early years of Greer’s tenure as assistant director and today, Cullman’s population grew from approximately 61,000 to more than 87,000, while the number of major employers increased from fewer than 20 to more than 30, and local jobs grew from roughly 18,000 to more than 26,000.
CEDA also received state and international recognition during that period for agency performance and long-term development strategy.
“Our success comes from consistency. We’ve focused on creating an environment where businesses can grow and employees can succeed,” Greer said in 2019 while discussing Cullman’s national ranking.
Greer frequently emphasized collaboration as a defining factor in Cullman’s development progress.
“This ranking reflects the teamwork between our city and county governments, our industry partners and our workforce. Economic development is never about one person,” he said in 2024.
Former CEDA Director Smith said Greer’s retirement marked the close of a partnership that shaped decades of progress in Cullman.
“After many years of dedicated service to our community, I want to congratulate my friend and colleague on his retirement. Working alongside him for more than 20 years was one of the highlights of my career,” Smith said.
“Together with our small staff we helped bring meaningful projects to our small town, and his commitment, vision and hard work made all the difference,” she said. “We valued the vision put in place by The Flying Fifty, and they inspired our team to follow that vision.”
Smith said the agency’s evolution during that period laid the groundwork for Cullman’s later success.
“We went from a handful of industries to marketing sites and parks that provided a good location for industry and helped drive the strong record of success that followed,” she said.
Smith said Greer’s leadership style combined professionalism with genuine joy for the work.
“Dale was known for his dedication and long hours, bringing vision, determination and professionalism to every project, along with a lot of laughter,” she said. “It has been my honor and pleasure to work with him.”
She said Greer’s impact will continue long after his retirement.
“I wish him every happiness in retirement and know he will be happy to have unlimited fishing days. He will be greatly missed, but his contributions to this community and state will be felt for years to come,” Smith said.
As Greer prepares to step away from the agency, those who worked alongside him said his leadership style was defined as much by character as by accomplishment.
CEDA Assistant Director Jamie Troutman said Greer’s influence was felt both professionally and personally.
“Dale Greer is truly one-of-a-kind. He’s one of those rare people who is always in a good mood and will go out of his way to help someone or offer a kind word. People come to Dale because he is known for making things happen,” Troutman said.
“It has been an honor to work with Dale for so many years. His impact on our community cannot be overstated. His contributions, whether through civic involvement, industrial recruitment or projects such as the Duck River Dam and Reservoir, to name just a few, have helped shape where we are today,” she said.
Troutman said her time working alongside Greer helped shape her own approach to leadership and long-term planning for the agency.
“I have learned a great deal from working with him and am optimistic about the future. I wish Dale nothing but the best in a well-deserved retirement.”
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said Greer’s impact extended beyond individual projects and rankings.
“The truest measure of a public servant is simple: they leave the place they served better than they found it. By that standard, Dale Greer’s legacy is unquestionable, measured in decades of steady leadership, collaborative progress and a Cullman that is stronger today and positioned for generations to come,” Anderson said.
Former Cullman Mayor Max Townson said Greer played a key role in multiple industrial and retail development efforts during his time in office.
“I was blessed to work with Dale Greer for eight years. He was responsible for several industrial development projects and retail development projects during my time as mayor,” Townson said. “I’ve always appreciated Dale and his heart and enthusiasm for the city of Cullman and for Cullman County. He’s not a bad fishing partner either.”
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce President Joey Orr said Greer’s leadership style and commitment to collaboration played a central role in Cullman’s long-term economic progress.
“Dale Greer’s impact on Cullman’s economic growth cannot be overstated. He believes wholeheartedly in collaboration and communication. This has been key to his success as he has helped to recruit investments to the area, support local industry, identify ways for long-term growth and create opportunities for our business owners and citizens. Dale knows that progress happens when people work together,” Orr said.
She said Greer’s influence also extended beyond professional collaboration into mentorship and personal leadership.
“Since taking my position at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Dale has been a mentor, friend and advocate. He is always ready with a quick joke, an encouraging word and a fishing story or two. Dale’s ability to build relationships and lead people has made the Cullman area a better place to be. His legacy will be felt for years to come,” Orr said.
Under Greer’s leadership, CEDA focused on industrial recruitment, infrastructure development and workforce alignment, with those efforts tied to sustained growth across manufacturing, logistics and commercial sectors.
Infrastructure initiatives associated with the agency during Greer’s tenure included coordination related to the Duck River Reservoir project, which expanded water resources and recreational opportunities for the region.
Workforce development and education alignment were recurring themes in public discussions involving Greer.
“We have to make sure students understand the opportunities available here and that our training programs match the needs of our employers,” Greer said in 2022.
As Greer reflected on his years with CEDA, he said the most meaningful takeaway was the collective effort behind Cullman’s progress.
“The growth and development of the community and the partnerships that made it happen stand out the most,” Greer said. “Our agency worked closely with the mayor and council, industrial development boards, the county commission, the chamber of commerce, education partners, utility providers, regional economic development groups, State agencies, City departments and local and national legislative delegations.
“We always strived to showcase Cullman as a great place to live, work and play,” he said.
Greer said the agency’s evolution during his tenure was part of a much longer continuum of growth.
“Cullman has had a 40-year history of growth and progress, starting with industry recruitment and expansion and the creation of jobs,” he said. “I’m proud of the fact that I stepped in as only the second executive director in our history and that Cullman continued to rank among the best counties in Alabama for new and expanding industry.
“To maintain the remarkable track record of supporting existing industry and ranking annually in the top 10 among 550 micropolitan cities in America is something I’m very proud of,” Greer said. “What pleases me most is how those measurable metrics contributed to other significant achievements throughout the community.”
Greer said working alongside Troutman was an important part of the agency’s continuity and future.
“Jamie is extremely task-oriented and focused on detail,” he said. “She has a keen ability to grasp opportunities for personal and professional growth. When a door opens, she rarely misses an opportunity for improvement.
“She has 25 years of service to the Cullman community and is in tune with its needs and how to achieve goals,” Greer said.
Greer said the behind-the-scenes work of economic development is often misunderstood.
“Every decision made is based on community involvement and consensus, with an eye on what is best for all of us,” he said. “No one person controls actions. We strive to bring in the right groups and individuals into the decision-making process.”
As he steps away from day-to-day leadership, Greer said he remains confident in Cullman’s future.
“Every aspect of the community is solid,” he said. “Industry, retail, workforce development, housing, quality of life, health care, parks and recreation, tourism, education and leadership.
“There is no glaring weakness or downturn in any single area of the economy that could dramatically alter Cullman’s ability to continue to prosper,” he said. “I am convinced that our future has never been brighter.”
Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics said Greer’s influence extends beyond economic development into education and long-term workforce investment.
“Dale Greer is an uncommon professional. Dale’s inescapable, energetic, relentless focus on developing infrastructure, creating jobs, building the workforce, expanding partnerships, launching entrepreneurs and elevating Cullman’s quality of life makes him truly exceptional, and his legacy will endure for generations,” Karolewics said.
She said Greer’s commitment to education was reflected in his direct support of students.
“Dale is such an advocate for education. As a long-serving member of Wallace State’s Future Foundation, he has a heart for Wallace State’s students,” she said. “It was Dale’s idea to implement the Second Chance scholarship to provide financial support for students who just need another opportunity and who need someone to believe in them. Countless students have benefited from his investment, and ultimately they will pay it forward into our community.”
Greer’s work also left a lasting impression on local entrepreneurs and private-sector leaders.
Joey Robertson of Wagon Trail Hemp said Greer played a key role in helping Med-Serv navigate local and state-level support during its development process.
“Without the assistance and guidance of Dale Greer, Med-Serv could not have gained the traction and support garnered by our local and state government,” Robertson said. “Without hesitation, Dale went to bat for us locally and as part of our presentation to the AMCC (Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission).
“Hearing that Dale is retiring fills my heart with joy for him and simultaneously a hole knowing that his knowledge, abilities and friendship are impossible to replace,” Robertson said. “Cullman is a better place due to his years of tireless dedication.”
In addition to recruitment and expansion work, Greer was instrumental in incubating locally rooted companies such as Sequence Health, DB Technologies and ZeroRPM. He also played behind-the-scenes roles in expansions involving RWC and HomTex, as well as the addition of the REHAU paint line.
Before entering economic development, Greer worked in journalism, an experience colleagues said shaped his understanding of trust, discretion and long-term relationships.
Larraine Greer said family and community have always been central to her husband’s life and career.
“Dale is such a great husband, father and friend. Family is very important to him. He has a big personality and he loves Cullman. He loves showing off our town. He is so proud of what he has gotten to play a part in over the years,” she said.
“He loves people. Being the 2023 (Oktoberfest) Burgermeister may be the most rewarding job he has ever had. I know for a fact it was the most fun for him,” she said. “Community is so important to him and I think he can look back on his career and see how very important he was to ours.”
Beyond economic development metrics, Greer was recognized for civic leadership and community involvement. In 2023, he received the Emma Marie Eddleman Citizenship Award.
“This community has given me far more than I could ever give back. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside people who truly care about Cullman,” Greer said at the time.
At the first Cullman City Council meeting held in 2026, the council formally accepted Greer’s resignation.
“Dale Greer is a true visionary leader. His impact throughout our community will be felt for generations to come. I will forever be grateful for his selfless service to the citizens of Cullman,” Cullman City Council President Kim Hall said. “His background in journalism and economic development has provided him with a unique perspective that he has used for the advancement of our community. I appreciate his leadership, heart and wisdom.”
Former Cullman City Council President Jenny Folsom said Greer’s leadership combined vision with personal connection.
“Dale Greer has been a community builder, visionary leader and navigator of complex economic landscapes throughout his service to Cullman. Dale never meets a stranger and people always gravitate to his kindness, sense of humor and trustworthiness. It has been an honor working with Dale and I am proud to call him my friend,” Folsom said.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said Greer’s impact extended well beyond economic metrics, pointing instead to character, leadership style and the way Greer treated people.
“Dale Greer has played an instrumental role in getting Cullman to where it’s at today. Dale is a man of honesty and integrity. He’s helped to shepherd our town into a golden age through his long-term vision,” Jacobs said.
Greer’s leadership was defined not by recognition but by humility, according to Jacobs.
“Dale is also a man who will never take the credit; rather, he is always the first to give the credit. I feel confident that Dale is considered a friend with everyone he’s ever interacted with,” he said.
Jacobs said those qualities are increasingly rare in modern public service.
“In today’s world, and especially with the way government is run, finding a person who truly loves people and places others’ needs in front of their own is a rarity,” Jacobs said.
He said Greer consistently modeled what effective, people-centered government should look like.
“We preach that the customer service portion of government is lacking, and whether we are dealing with one person’s complaint or putting a major economic deal together, you have to treat people right and let their needs be heard. Dale built a career this way,” he said.
Jacobs said Greer’s reputation was built on personal connection rather than accolades.
“Dale never meets a stranger. He’s been a pillar in our community, winning probably every award out there; however, that’s never been what Dale is about. He’s about leaving something better than when he found it and loving people,” Jacobs said.
He said those relationships define Greer’s lasting legacy in Cullman.
“Dale is my friend, and I know there are many more who would use the same term whenever the name Dale Greer is brought up. That’s what a true legacy looks like, building and maintaining relationships during our time here,” he said.
Greer’s retirement marks the end of a long chapter in Cullman’s economic development history, closing a period defined by steady growth, quiet leadership and an enduring commitment to community.
Troutman has been named interim director of CEDA.
