Power Moves: Steven Folks helps lead Alabama’s ‘Model City’ toward success
Anniston City Manager Steven Folks learned in the military that it takes a team and a plan to have success. (Nik Layman / Alabama NewsCenter)
After serving in the U.S. Army for 21 years, Steven Folks left with the valuable experience of working with a team toward a common goal. When he retired from the Army out of Fort McClellan, Folks decided to stay in Anniston and begin a second career in local government.
Folks began in the Parks and Recreation Department in 1995 and became the director in 2007. His hard work and dedication led to Folks being named city manager in 2019, though he says the city’s growth was a team effort.
“With a passionate and engaged staff and City Council, we have rebranded ourselves with the catchphrase ‘We are More,’” Folks said. “As a former soldier, I learned that it is not about the name on the tag of the uniform, it is about the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard on the other side, all working on one common goal: Keep our nation safe. (It is) the same concept with government agencies, doing the best we can together to ensure the best quality of life for our deserving citizens.”
Power Moves: Anniston City Manager Steven Folks from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Anniston, a city that emerged as a key industrial center during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War, has seen its fair share of growth and decline. During his time, Folks has seen the city flourish in several ways.
“Our small businesses are growing, and investors are starting to notice the true gem that Anniston is,” Folks said. As a forward-thinking manager, Folks said his vision goes beyond the city, and he believes in taking “a regional approach” in promoting Anniston.
“With the addition of the new federal courthouse, Ladiga Trail progressing, as well as recreational trails and other family-oriented opportunities, we are poised to be a destination attraction,” he said.
The growth and development of Anniston have occurred on the governmental level, as well. Folks said one of the most impactful decisions was hiring Jackson Hodges as the city’s public information officer to provide a level of transparency and reliability to citizens.
“Jackson Hodges came on board running. He revamped our social media outlets and ensures all the positives we are doing in the community are being noticed,” Folks said. Those positives include revamping downtown and the Anniston Changers Initiative.
“Our Main Street staff is doing remarkable things to resurrect our downtown. (The) Anniston Changers Initiative has also been impactful, as concerned citizens and city staff come together once a month on a Saturday to clean up our city. It promotes pride and unity.”
Looking toward the future, Folks sees opportunities for Anniston and believes he can use his experience to work alongside the mayor and City Council to help Anniston thrive.
“Establish attainable goals, priorities and expectations,” Folks said, describing lessons he learned. “God first, family and then the team. Adapt without compromising core values; be respectful and demand respect; never forget who and what got you here; and always pay it forward.”
