Tuscaloosa parks leader Brian Davis to retire in 2027

Brian Davis, executive director and CEO of the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, has announced plans to retire in 2027 after leading the organization for nearly three years.

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In a Sept. 14 message to employees, Davis said he will retire Feb. 1, 2027, describing the decision as a difficult one.

The message read, in part:

“I am incredibly proud to have served as your CEO and, even more importantly, to have been part of the PARA family,” Davis said. “This is a special organization because of the people who come to work every day committed to serving others and making our community a better place.”

Davis said he is proud of the organization’s accomplishments and considers the relationships and friendships formed during his tenure among the most meaningful parts of his experience at PARA.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished, but what I will value most are the relationships and friendships I have made along the way,” he said.

Davis said he plans to remain fully engaged during the remaining months before his retirement and will work to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“My commitment to PARA will not change, and I will do everything I can to help make the transition successful and leave PARA positioned for an exciting future,” Davis said.

Davis said serving PARA was “one of the great privileges” of his career and that he will always be proud to have been part of the organization.

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Davis, a University of Alabama graduate and Mississippi native, began serving as PARA’s executive director and CEO on April 17, 2023. He replaced Gary Minor, who retired Dec. 31, 2022, after nearly 12 years as executive director and a total of 18 years with the organization.

Before joining PARA, Davis served as director of engineering and public works for the city of Vestavia Hills, where he worked for more than 20 years.

PARA manages nearly 2,000 acres of green space, including 35 parks, boat landings, seven activity centers, an 18-hole golf course and a tennis facility.

The organization provides recreational and leisure opportunities for residents of all ages and hosts special events, including the West Alabama Christmas Parade. PARA also oversees a dog park, hiking trails, picnic areas, ballparks and swimming pools.

Primary funding for PARA comes through a joint partnership involving local governments: the city of Northport, the city of Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa County Commission.

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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa parks leader Brian Davis to retire in 2027

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Reporting by Jasmine Hollie, Tuscaloosa News / The Tuscaloosa News

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This story was originally published September 21, 2026 at 5:16 AM.