By Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
Richie Beyer, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Elmore County, celebrates retirement, July 2, 2025, during a retirement party at 17 Springs in Millbrook, Alabama.
Friends, family, and colleagues joined in celebration as guest speakers reminisced on Beyer’s dedication and service to the community.
Beyer began his career with the Elmore County Commission (ECC) in 2003 as Elmore County Engineer, responsible for maintaining and constructing public roads and bridges in the area.
In 2017, Beyer was promoted to the role of Chief Engineer and Operations Officer where he oversaw functions related to road projects, traffic control, and recycling facilities.
To help leverage the county’s infrastructure resources and expand Beyer’s responsibilities, ECC modified his position title three years later to COO.
“Our commissioners have a great vision to see beyond jurisdictional lines and understand that partnerships are the only realistic way to accomplish what our citizens desire,” said Beyer. “Having the ability to deliver these projects and services has probably been my favorite aspect of the COO position.”
Other accomplishments from Beyer include being elected president of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE) and the Alabama County Engineers Association (ACEA), being named the 2014 Rural County Engineer of the Year by NACE and testifying on Capitol Hill to a House Oversight Subcommittee on the need to streamline the delivery and environmental reviews of federal aid projects.
Beyer’s dedication to Elmore County continues as he steps into his new role as COO of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA)
“This opportunity to work with ECEDA allows me to help the commission, municipalities, our boards of education, and our business community meet the needs and desires of our residents,” said Beyer. “Continuing to improve the quality of life for our citizens while enhancing the great assets our county already has is a definite focus as I transition to ECEDA.”
A new era of growth and opportunity lies ahead for our county, our businesses, and our people — and it is dedicated community leaders like Beyer who help pave the way for Elmore County.
