William E. (Bill) Hereford became mayor on November 3, 2008.  Prior to  taking office he served as  Senior Circuit Judge in the Unified Judicial System of Alabama and heard cases around the state  by appointment of the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court . From 1991 until 2005 he served  Presiding Circuit Judge of the Thirtieth Judicial Circiut of Alabama. He is married to Paula Duncan Hereford and they have two children and one grandchild. Hereford is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Pell City and served as an enlisted man in the United States Marine Corps.