Misty Gordon, Executive Assistant to the Mayor
Misty Gordon grew up in Hueytown and married her high school sweetheart, John, who she had a crush on from her skating rink days. Married 32 years, they have a daughter Lauren and soon-to-be son in law, Ryan. Misty, John, and then two-year-old Lauren moved to Alabaster on Christmas Eve 1999. Misty and John put toys together in their new home until early morning. (“We had a lot more energy back then,” she laughs.) Before this current role, Misty worked for the Alabaster Police Department as the Chief’s administrative assistant. Misty became the Executive Assistant to Mayor Brakefield when he took office in 2020.
What are the responsibilities of an executive assistant to the Mayor?
“My goal is to be able to help solve issues before they reach Mayor Brakefield—to keep his day as organized as possible—and answer calls for the city’s main phone line and the Mayor’s incoming calls. I keep his calendar up to date, set up meetings and luncheons, greet visitors that come into the lobby, work with members of various boards, communicate with all departments, prepare proclamations for council meetings, and help set up and attend ribbon cuttings and ground breakings, navigate the approval process for event permits, help maintain and reserve meeting space calendars, and I help citizens report concerns to various departments when needed.”
Other than the Mayor who else do you communicate with the most each day?
“Our City Administrator, City Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Public Information Officer (PIO), and citizens that call in. Everyone in Administration that I work closely with each day is like family, and that makes coming to work even more enjoyable.”
How do you get better at your job?
“By asking a lot of questions to learn about the other departments in the city. One of the many things I enjoy about this position is being able to not only focus on one department but to collaborate with all of them. It keeps me on my toes because it is a little different every day.”
How do you interact with the city council?
“We have an awesome council. They are extremely approachable and easy to contact by phone or email. They will do anything they can to help.”
Do you need a sense of humor to do this job?
” I work with so many great people, and it is fun to laugh and sprinkle in humor when we can.”
Tell us what it’s like working for the Mayor?
“He is the perfect example of great leadership. He is professional, he expects excellence (kind of old school when it comes to work ethics), he is straightforward, and always finding ways to make Alabaster better because he truly loves this city.”
What are the most rewarding things about your role?
“Mayor Brakefield is always on the go, so anytime I can get a step ahead of him and have things done before he asks, is a win win for me. Also, meeting citizens and local business owners.”
What is the most challenging thing about your role?
“Citizens come with challenging issues sometimes, and it feels good to be able to help them find solutions or connect them with the department that can help.”
What makes Alabaster stand out for you?
“The strong sense of community and living in a safe city. We are small, but we have a lot to offer. I am so excited about all the new growth and improvements happening in Alabaster. I am extremely thankful to have a Mayor who has paved the way for a great future for our city!”
What do you do for fun?
“I LOVE to travel every chance I get, Bible study group on Saturday mornings, hanging out with family and friends, playing with my golden retriever Moose, hiking, home improvement projects, and trying new restaurants. For a while my husband and I were going to Veterans Park to walk, talk, and learn Italian from a phone app. It is something free and simple and so much fun!”
Last vacation you took?
“We went to Israel about eight months ago, and it was a dream come true. It is a beautiful place to visit! This last January, we visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to go snow skiing and celebrate our daughter’s surprise proposal!”