CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council tapped Jamie Troutman as interim director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) at its January meeting. The action followed the resignation of longtime director Dale Greer on Jan. 12, 2026. Troutman will be named the director at the council’s first meeting in February.
Troutman previously served as assistant director and worked alongside Greer for many years. During that time, she played a key role in recruitment efforts, governmental affairs and long-term strategic initiatives at the local, state and national levels. Her selection reflects continuity within the agency as it moves forward.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said Troutman’s experience working alongside longtime economic development leaders has positioned her well for the transition.
“Economic development is largely based on building and maintaining relationships with people and agencies that are value-added partners and a crucial part in driving positive economic growth in communities,” Jacobs said. “Jamie has learned under two great individuals in this profession, two individuals who were second to none in creating lasting relationships, and two individuals who were Cullman first: Peggy Smith and Dale Greer.”
Jacobs said Troutman has consistently stepped into leadership roles and expanded her responsibilities over time.
“Jamie has put herself in leadership roles and succeeded each time,” he said. “Recently, she has been focused in more so of a role of a governmental liaison between those in Montgomery and D.C., where the money is.”
He said Troutman has also prioritized support for existing local business and industry.
“She has also made it a priority to support local business and industry,” Jacobs said. “This is also another pillar of economic development and success, recruiting and retention and expansion.”
Jacobs said Cullman’s continued economic performance reflects those efforts.
“Cullman is consistently in the top five micropolitans in the U.S., it has strong ties in Montgomery and D.C. and it has a strong workforce,” he said. “Jamie has been integral in all of that and knows that everything is running like a well-oiled machine. She has prepared herself through experience.”
From the City’s perspective, Jacobs said CEDA plays a critical role in maintaining long-term stability.
“CEDA plays an integral role in retaining current business and industry,” he said. “Our industries employ thousands of local citizens and those from surrounding counties. Those people are the ones spending money in our community.”
Jacobs said recruitment must remain intentional.
“It’s also important to be looking to recruit new business and industry that will provide high-paying jobs and not saturate the current market we have here in Cullman,” he said.
He said strong leadership at CEDA depends on relationship building, humility and honesty.
“This role is based on relationships made and relationships maintained,” Jacobs said. “You have to be people-first driven, outgoing and confident. Humility is also an important quality. You have to be humble enough to sometimes say, ‘I don’t know, but let me look into that and get back with you.’”
Jacobs said continuity has played a key role in Cullman’s long-term success.
“Continuity in leadership plays a vital role in our continued success,” he said. “You need leadership that knows Cullman, knows its people and understands what makes it unique.”
He compared the transition to a winning sports culture.
“When one man goes out, it’s the next man up,” Jacobs said. “Winning cultures don’t see a drop in talent or knowledge.”
Greer said Troutman’s leadership qualities were evident long before she was chosen for the role.
“Jamie is extremely task oriented and focused on detail,” Greer said. “She has a keen ability to grasp opportunities for personal and professional growth. When a door opens, she rarely misses an improvement chance. She has 25 years of service to the Cullman community and is in tune to needs and how to achieve goals.”
Greer said Troutman’s responsibilities steadily expanded over time, particularly in governmental affairs.
“She focused a lot on governmental affairs on the local, state and national level,” he said. “Those relationships translated into successful grant opportunities for our community and legislation that benefitted Cullman and Alabama.”
He said Troutman also played a central role in coordinating advocacy efforts.
“She serves on the Chamber Government Affairs Committee coordinating the Montgomery Drive-In and Washington Fly-In and charting a course under community consensus.”
Greer said Troutman’s leadership experience extends beyond Cullman.
“Her service as president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama and participation in Leadership Alabama afforded her great personal development and leadership skills,” he said.
As she steps into the director’s role, Greer said those skills remain essential.
“Continue focusing on the relationships, networking and partnerships that are critical to any successful community economic development program,” he said.
Troutman said her path into economic development began before her return to Cullman.
“While in college, I did an internship in the PR/Media office at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center,” Troutman said. “I met so many people while working in Huntsville and accepted a job after graduating college with a public relations and media contractor at Marshall Space Flight Center.”
She said that experience led to a position with the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
“That job introduced me to the world of economic development,” she said.
After a brief time away, Troutman said she and her husband decided to return home.
“A friend told me there was an opening at the Cullman Economic Development Agency and put me in touch with Dale Greer,” she said. “Dale somehow convinced Peggy Smith to interview me, and the rest is history.”
Troutman said the field appealed to her because of its lasting impact.
“I love the economic development field because it is something different every day and it is rewarding work that matters,” she said. “Very few careers offer the visible, long-term impact that you get with economic development.”
As her role expanded, Troutman said, hands-on recruitment work shaped her understanding of Cullman’s competitive position.
“Participating in industrial site development and recruitment helped me learn about so many aspects of our community,” she said. “It also deepened my understanding of how Cullman competes statewide and regionally.”
She said patience and persistence are critical.
“Things do not happen overnight,” Troutman said. “They are made to happen.”
One of the most formative projects of her career, Troutman said, was the recruitment of Topre America Corporation.
“Cullman was competing with about four other locations,” she said. “I spent many late nights researching and comparing Cullman to the other communities.”
Months later, she said, the impact became personal.
“I was driving through Baileyton and saw someone in a Topre uniform walking to their mailbox,” Troutman said. “That moment made me understand the importance of what we do.”
Troutman said years of collaboration have shaped her leadership style.
“I do not have all the answers, but I do know who to call to get those answers,” she said. “Strong relationships help move projects forward.”
She said early coordination remains critical.
“Bringing partners to the table at the beginning of a project helps identify challenges before they become obstacles,” she said.
Troutman said working alongside Greer reinforced the value of steady leadership.
“Effective economic development leadership isn’t about quick wins,” she said. “It’s about credibility and collaboration over time.”
She also credited Smith as a lasting influence.
“Sometimes when I’m facing a situation, I think, ‘What would Peggy Smith do?’” Troutman said.
Looking ahead, Troutman said, alignment remains the focus.
“You cannot have recruitment, workforce and infrastructure without each other,” she said.
She said success must be viewed differently in the current climate.
“Cullman has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state,” Troutman said. “We have to focus on existing industry and diversification.”
As she begins her tenure as director of CEDA, Troutman said the role represents a commitment to the community.
“It is an honor to serve as director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency. I believe deeply in Cullman, its people and its potential.”
