Don L. Allen Sr.
Tony ReavleyA Hamilton County employee with more than 30 years experience took the helm Monday of the county's Human Services Division.
The Hamilton County Commission unanimously approved the appointment of Don L. Allen Sr. to the post, which was left vacant when Scott Schoolfield retired in January. Human Services includes Corrections, Emergency Services, Maintenance and Parks and Recreation.
"It was pretty clear from the start we would promote from within," said county Mayor Jim Coppinger, who nominated Allen for the position.
Allen has been with the county for more three decades, most recently serving as director of the Department of Emergency Services. In that role, he led the county's cleanup efforts in the aftermath of the April 27 tornadoes.
"This man has done tremendous work," Commissioner Warren Mackey said. "He kept everybody feeling as if we were in good hands."
The commission also approved Coppinger's nomination to fill Allen's former post at Emergency Services with Tony Reavley, a 20-year veteran of the department.
Commissioner Joe Graham said the Emergency Services team worked tirelessly in Lookout Valley after the storm. Graham's district includes Lookout Valley.
Allen will continue as Hamilton County 911 board chairman, Homeland Security director, FBI Regional Joint Terrorism Task Force member and American Red Cross board member.
Reavley also serves as the county's fire marshal, chief of Emergency Services training division and an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force member.
Allen's new post comes with a $113,000 salary, while Reavley will be making $70,718.