October 12, 2017 - Mayor Todd Strange: Growing Montgomery with Technology Innovation

Growing Montgomery With Technology Innovation

Mayor Todd Strange will be speaking on leadership, and growing Montgomery with an emphasis on TechMGM, a collaboration between local industry, educational and government entities working together to connect and leverage Montgomery's unique technology assets to include the Montgomery Internet Exchange (MGMix), the city's open data initiatives, efforts supporting hackMGM/Code for America Brigade, and efforts to grow/foster technology innovation. The goal of TechMGM is to maximize the community's technology talent pipeline and promote the city as an emerging and innovative technology hub to enhance the workforce and grow the regional economy.

Mr. Todd Strange became the 56th mayor of the city of Montgomery on March 10, 2009, and was sworn in on March 23, 2009.

Strange graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama and received a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Montevallo. Prior to becoming mayor, Strange served as chairman of the Montgomery (Alabama) County Commission for nearly five years. He also served as former president, CEO and co-owner of Blount Strange Automotive Group where he managed hundreds of employees. 

As former director of the Alabama Development of Commerce (formerly known as the Alabama Development Office), Strange collaborated many efforts that brought major industries to Alabama, including the Hyundai Manufacturing Facility in Montgomery. He also served as former senior vice president of Administration, Blount International, Ltds., former president and CEO, Blount Development Corporation and several leadership roles with South Central Bell Company (now AT&T). 

Strange’s extensive involvement in the community includes chairman of the Capital City Club, member of the Board of Directors and former vice-chairman of the Montgomery Business Committee for the Arts, and chairman of the Board of Trustees at University of Montevallo. He was also former chairman of the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association, former president and campaign chairman for Montgomery Area United Way, former chairman of the Board of Directors for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, former board chairman of the Montgomery’s Riverfront Development Committee, and former Chairman of the Montgomery Riverfront Alliance. 

Strange has received numerous awards and honors for his visionary and progressive leadership. His awards include Business and Professional Women Boss of the Year, March of Dimes’ River Region Citizen of the Year, AUM Outstanding Community Leader Award, and Time Magazine’s Quality Dealer Award for Alabama.