ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council voted 4-0 on Tuesday to appoint Kenneth Free as the city’s new city manager, with Councilmember D.D. Roberts abstaining from the vote.
Free, an Anniston native born at Anniston Regional Hospital in the 1970s, brings extensive experience in both military and federal government service to the position. He will succeed Skyler Bass, who was appointed as interim city manager on March 18 and assumed office on April 10, 2025.
“I look forward to working with Mr. Free. He made an excellent impression during his interview and brings a strong background in government affairs,” said Mayor Smith. “I am confident that his expertise and extensive knowledge will serve the City well. Together, I look forward to working hand in hand to build a strong, collaborative team dedicated to moving our community forward.”
In a statement to the Calhoun Journal, Free expressed his gratitude for the appointment.
“I’m truly honored to have been selected by Mayor Smith and the Anniston City Council to serve as City Manager. Anniston is my hometown, and I care deeply about its people and its future,” Free said. “As I stated in my interview, I believe every employee and every citizen should ask themselves each day, ‘What am I going to do today to make Anniston better?’ That question keeps us focused on progress, accountability, and service to one another. I look forward to working with the Council, our dedicated city staff, and the entire community to build a stronger, more unified Anniston.”
Free served 20 years in the military, advancing from enlisted private to Chief Warrant Officer 3. His military career included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he earned a Bronze Star, and concluded with a position at the Pentagon working for Admiral Mullen, earning him the Defense Superior Service Medal.
Following his military retirement, Free joined the U.S. Department of Commerce before transitioning to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2014. He worked directly for the Secretary of HUD, traveling nationwide to observe community development initiatives. In 2019, he returned to Alabama as HUD’s state director, serving as liaison for elected officials and communities statewide. He later served as deputy regional administrator for the southeastern United States.
During his interview with the council, Free emphasized his commitment to pursuing available grant opportunities and maximizing Anniston’s status as an Entitlement City, which provides approximately $750,000 annually in federal funding. He also outlined priorities including affordable housing development, community revitalization, and community-oriented policing. His management philosophy centers on accountability, regular performance evaluations, and providing employees with necessary training and resources to succeed in their roles.
The next step in the appointment process will be contract negotiations with Free. Once a contract is successfully finalized, he will assume the city manager position. Bass, who did not apply for the permanent role, will resume her duties as city clerk upon Free’s appointment.
