Still shot from Vestavia Hills City Council video
Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry, left, poses for a photo with council members Paul Head, George Pierce and Kimberly Cook at the last regular council meeting for Head and Pierce on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025.
The Vestavia Hills City Council on Monday night said farewell to council members George Pierce and Paul Head, saluting them for their many years of service.
Pierce has been on the council 17 years and gave up his Place 4 seat to his daughter, Ali Pilcher, while Head has served nine years on the council and will be replaced by Michael Vercher. The transition officially occurs on Nov. 3 when the new council members are sworn into office.
City Manager Jeff Downes was out of town at a conference Monday night, but Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley read his remarks about Pierce and Head.
Downes said the two men have led with their hearts, taken their responsibilities seriously and made thoughtful, practical decisions during their terms. Each brought their own unique strengths to the table, serving with different styles but with equal effectiveness, he said.
Pierce has been “the people’s councilor,” always with his finger on the pulse of the community — listening, sharing ideas and making sure residents’ voices were heard, Downes said. Pierce has helped city staff stay connected and responsive to residents, he said.
Head has been a quiet leader who doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does, it carries a lot of weight, Downes said. Head has a talent for listening carefully, cutting through noise and offering insights that are clear and grounded, Downes said. He has the ability to turn complex issues into practical guidance, Downes said.
Both men have provided valuable leadership and feedback and truly made a difference in the community, Downes said.
Councilwoman Kimberly Cook, who was elected to the council at the same time as Head, said Head has served with passion as the liaison to the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board and said his knowledge of construction came in handy as the city undertook major park renovation and construction projects. His head for numbers and analytics has served the city well, she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed serving with you,” Cook said. “You’ve been so faithful. You show up for everything.”
Cook said Pierce has helped teach her the importance of listening to the community.
“Sometimes we think we know the answers, but then we hear from citizens and the answer’s different,” she said. “You’ve really taught me to respect that.”
Pierce has been a straight shooter who spoke the truth but also someone who has been an encourager and who lifts other people’s spirits with jokes.
Pierce said serving the city has been an exciting ride for him ever since he first joined the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
“It has been a thrill for me to serve this city,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it. … I’m excited about the future of our city.”
He’s excited to see his daughter follow in his footsteps on the City Council and he doesn’t plan to step away entirely. He plans to fill Vercher’s seat on the Vestavia Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, he said.
Head said he, too, will miss his role on the City Council, though he won’t miss the schedule of meeting every Monday night.
“I think we have the greatest staff, the greatest city,” he said. “We’ve accomplished lots of things in nine years, and I’m proud.”
He also said Downes is the best city manager on the planet, and he believes the City Council will be in great hands with Pilcher and Vercher stepping up to serve.
In other business Monday night, McCulley reported that 290 city employees (90%) participated in the United Way campaign this year, pledging $45,523 in donations to the United Way, which is a record for the city. The Fire Department led the way, pledging $18,052, she said.
