Fairhope Loses Two Department Heads as Bloodworth Botop Joins Mobile Bay Estuary Program
Economic and Community Development Director Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop is leaving to become deputy director of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, following Planning Director Wayne Dyess's resignation.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Fairhope has lost two of the three department heads hired when Mayor Karin Wilson’s administration took office.
Bloodworth Botop to estuary program
Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, the city’s Economic and Community Development Director, is leaving to become deputy director of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP). In her new role, she will work on carrying out the restoration and protection efforts in the program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.
“The City of Fairhope is proud to support Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, the current Economic and Community Development Director, in her transition to Deputy Director of Mobile Bay National Estuary Program,” the city said in an April 28 statement. “Since Sherry-Lea started in early 2017, her commitment to building a resilient community using her incredible experience in philanthropic leadership will have long-lasting positive impacts on our City.”
“I have enjoyed working at the City of Fairhope and playing a role in protecting this special city. In my new position, I look forward to continuing that relationship in a different way starting with work on the health of Fly Creek,” Bloodworth Botop said. “The creek plays a significant role in the water quality of the Mobile Bay which plays a central role in our future economic and environmental prosperity.”
Wilson said she looks forward to working with Bloodworth Botop through the city’s partnership with MBNEP, calling her “one of the most positive, collaborative people I’ve ever worked with.”
Planning director resigned
Bloodworth Botop’s departure follows last month’s resignation of Wayne Dyess, Fairhope’s planning director.
“He was a great employee and has provided great input concerning numerous planning projects, and was instrumental in implementing several new ordinances which will help the city in the long run,” Council President Jack Burrell said of Dyess.
Operations Director Richard Peterson is the only one of the three original hires still with the city.
