Mayor & Council

Mayor Joe McDonald

• Served 4 Terms on the City Council
• Served 3 Terms as Elected Council President
• Married to Susie for 28 years
• Has four children
• Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Alabama with a minor in Political Science
• Graduate of Satsuma High School
• Lifelong resident of Saraland
• Employed with SSAB for 18 years, currently as Warehouse Manager
• Member of Fountain of Life Church

My commitment to Saraland is to continue the growth we have seen over the last decade. I also want to keep Saraland a safe community by supporting our Police and Fire Departments.

Saraland is my home and I hope to see my kids and future generations enjoy the beauty and hometown feel of this great city.

Go Spartans!

Councilwoman   Natalie Moye

Chairwoman of Administration

Hi, I am Natalie Moye.  I am originally from the Mobile area, graduating from Faith Academy in 2004. I’m also a proud Auburn Graduate (Class of 2008- War Eagle!) with a bachelor’s degree in social work. 

My husband of 14 years, Chase, and I moved to Saraland in 2011, and we instantly fell in love with the community.   Our Kids- Elliot (12), Camille (9), and Savannah (8) keep us on our toes and remind me every day why it’s important to keep building a city that supports families and future generations.

Having a heart for serving others is what drew me to social work, and to serving on the city council. As a believer in Jesus Christ, my faith plays a big role in how I try to serve others.   I’m passionate about keeping Saraland a safe, welcoming, and growing place, where neighbors look out for each other.  When I am not working or volunteering, you can catch me cheering on Auburn football or planning our next vacation!

Councilman   Chris Andrews

Chairman of Parks and Recreation

Chris Andrews is a proud Saraland resident, small business owner, and community leader dedicated to serving the people of Saraland with integrity, teamwork, and vision.

An active member of Redemption Church, Chris believes strong communities are built through faith and service. He has served as commissioner of the Saraland City Basketball League, organizing one of the city’s largest youth programs, and is a member of the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce, supporting local business growth and community engagement.

Chris is the founder and CEO of Bienville Bites Food Tour in Mobile and Taste of Fairhope Tour in Fairhope. Bienville Bites has been recognized nationally by USA Today as among the best food tours in America. Through his work, he’s developed strong relationships and connections with small businesses across the Gulf Coast.

A graduate of Leadership Mobile, Mobile Bay Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honoree, and author of A Culinary History of Mobile, Chris brings a collaborative leadership style and a deep passion for connecting people to shared goals.

At home in Saraland, Chris enjoys life with his wife Laney, a teacher at Saraland City Schools, and their three children – Audrey, Sawyer, and Carson – who all attend Saraland City Schools. Together, they’re invested in the future of this city and the people who make it home.

Councilman  Newton Cromer

Chairman of Police

J. Newton Cromer was first elected to the Saraland City Council in 2004. He has served as the Council President, Public Works chair, Public Safety, Police and Fire, and the Park, Recreation and Senior Activities.

Newton has received the Basic, Advanced Certified Municipal Official status and now is recognized by the State of Alabama League of Municipalities an Emeritus Municipal Official. He was elected twice as the Chair of the Economic and Community Advisory Committee through the Alabama League of Municipalities and now sits on the Executive Committee. Newton is a past President of the Mobile County Municipal Association.

Newton has been married to Carol Earle Cromer since 1981 and they have two grown children, Christine Cromer Meerman and Joseph B. Cromer. They also have four adorable grandchildren. He is a graduate of Spartanburg High School and Clemson University. He has lived in Mobile County for over 44 years.

Newton is retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Real Estate Project Manager. He is a nationally recognized Real Estate instructor for the U.S. Army Prospect Program and has completed Army Leadership training. He is currently is consulting with the U.S. Federal Courts and is active in many Saraland area service organizations. He is an active member and Deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, AL.

Newton has been actively served for over 30 years in Saraland coaching, administering and mentoring Saraland youth in baseball, softball, football and Upward programs. He is an original avid supporter of Saraland City School System, our senior programs, all park and recreational activities, public safety programs, street resurfacing projects, upgrades to sanitation facilities, active with the Saraland Chamber of Commerce and supports our animal shelter, public health and environmental initiatives. Newton is an active member of Keep Saraland Beautiful, Past President of Saraland Lions Club, Pentalpha Lodge, National Rifle Association, a Woodbadge trained Boy Scout Leader, Salvation Army Board and many other service organizations.

Newton has a passion for service to our community and the betterment of quality of life for all citizens.

Councilman Kevin Dean

Chairman of Community Development

A lifelong resident of Mobile County, Kevin grew up in Satsuma, AL, and graduated from Mary G. Montgomery in 1999. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama, majoring in secondary education. Kevin is the Chief Development Officer for the Joe Bullard Automotive Group, where he has served for the last ten years. Kevin is on the executive board of the Sparty Foundation and the President of Others First, a non-profit founded by the Joe Bullard Automotive Group. Kevin also serves as a broadcaster for the NFHS Network for the Saraland Varsity Football team.

Kevin is married to Maryann, and they have three children (Tyson, age 13, Charli Ann, age 11, and Elle, age 8) who all attend the Saraland School System. Kevin and his family are active members at Wilson Avenue Baptist Church in Saraland and teach Sunday school there.

Kevin will serve as Community Development Chair, focusing on economic development, enhancing our city’s visual appeal, and fostering civic involvement among our youth.

Councilman Chris Jessee

Chairman of Fire

Chris Jessee is a dedicated resident of Saraland, Alabama, where he has lived for over 40 years. A proud graduate of Satsuma High School, Chris pursued higher education at Faulkner State Community College, studying criminal justice and pre-nursing, and later furthered his education in emergency medical technology at the University of South Alabama.

With more than 20 years of experience as a first responder and nearly two decades as an EMT, Chris has spent much of his career serving the community. His years of service include time working for Mobile County EMS , where he contributed to public safety and emergency response efforts including medical emergencies, traffic accidents and even aircraft accidents. He also volunteered as a firefighter with the Turnerville Fire Department, furthering his commitment to the safety and well-being of his neighbors.

Currently, Chris works as a Chemical Specialist at Evonik, applying his extensive background in emergency response and technical knowledge to the chemical industry. 

Chris met his Bobbi in 2010 and were married a short time later in 2012 and they have been happily married ever since. Though they don’t have children, Chris and Bobbi share their home with four beloved dogs, who are an important part of their family.

Outside of work, Chris is an avid photographer with a passion for capturing unique moments. He has won several state photography contests and has been featured in local magazines and news articles for his work.

Chris remains committed to serving others, whether in the field, in his current professional role, or through his creative pursuits.