HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — Mayor Nick Derzis has appointed Ken Grimes as the city’s new director of economic development. Grimes, who has served as Hoover’s city administrator since 2023, will now shift his focus entirely to advancing the city’s economic growth strategy.
In a public statement, Grimes expressed enthusiasm about returning to his professional roots in economic advancement. He emphasized his understanding of Hoover’s unique assets and challenges, gained during his tenure as administrator, and outlined plans to drive targeted redevelopment, strengthen the retail sector—a cornerstone of municipal revenue—and attract new corporate investments to broaden employment options for residents.
Mayor Derzis highlighted key priorities, including revitalizing the Riverchase Galleria and Patton Green properties, both critical to the city’s commercial vitality. Retail sales tax contributes over half of Hoover’s annual income, underscoring the importance of a thriving commercial landscape.
Derzis praised Grimes’ deep familiarity with local economic dynamics and leadership record, calling him the ideal candidate to help reestablish Hoover as Alabama’s leading retail hub.
Grimes also intends to pursue corporate recruitment to fill more than 500,000 square feet of vacant office space, aiming to diversify the city’s economic foundation. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and previously worked with Alabama Power as an economic development intern. His career includes roles in Orange Beach’s municipal government and leadership as former president of the Alabama City County Manager Association.
Greg Knighton continues to serve as the city’s economic development manager.
— news from CBS 42
— News Original —
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis names new director of economic development
HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis announced the appointment of the city’s new director of economic development Monday. n nKen Grimes, who has been Hoover’s city administrator since 2023, was named to the post. n n“I’m excited to return to my roots in economic development and focus my efforts solely on strengthening Hoover’s economic future,” Grimes said in a statement. “My time as City Administrator has given me a clear grasp of our strengths, our challenges, and where we must go next. I look forward to driving targeted redevelopment, bolstering our retail base, which is vital to our revenue structure, and pursuing new corporate recruitment that diversifies and expands employment opportunities for our residents.” n nDerzis stated his top economic development priorities are revitalizing the Riverchase Galleria and Patton Green. Retail sales tax generates over 50% of the city’s annual revenue. n n“I’m grateful that Ken has chosen to bring his experience and expertise to lead this n ncrucial effort,” Derzis said in a statement. “His deep knowledge of our city’s economy, especially the importance of retail, combined with his proven leadership, makes him the ideal person to help us achieve our vision of restoring Hoover as Alabama’s premier retail destination.” n nGrimes will also focus on corporate recruitment and filling over 500,000 square feet of available office space. The city stated he will aim to diversify the city’s economic base. n nGrimes earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and was an economic development intern for Alabama Power. He previously worked for the city of Orange Beach. At one time, he was the president of the Alabama City County Manager Association. n nGreg Knighton has been serving as the city’s economic development manager.