By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Shelby County 911 has a new executive director.

Alan Campbell has been tapped to replace the outgoing John Ellison, who is retiring after 21 years.

Campbell was introduced to the Shelby County Commission during its March 28 meeting, but Campbell is no stranger to the county. He has served as the county’s public safety project coordinator since 2007.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to work with Shelby County,” Campbell said of his new position.

Commissioner Dan Acker, who also serves on the Shelby County 911 board, said hiring a new executive director “was a very difficult decision.”

“I think we’ve got the right person at this time,” Acker said of Campbell.

Prior to the introduction of Campbell, the commission applauded Ellison for his work, and Ellison thanked the county for its support.

“I’ve always gotten what I needed from this county,” Ellison said.

Ellison said the county “never introduced politics into public safety.”

“Thanks for that,” Ellison added.