Meet Robert
Robert Avery was born, reared and educated in the City of Champions. Prior to running for Mayor, Robert served as a Gadsden City Council member for six terms. In addition to public office, he has championed to improve the lives of others in a variety of roles and organizations. Robert is a 1967 graduate of Carver High School and attended Gadsden State Community College.
A Record of Public Service
Robert was first elected to the Gadsden City Council in 1986, representing District 3 for 24 years. During his tenure, Mr. Avery spearheaded a variety of projects to improve the quality of life for Gadsden residents. A few of his most notable accomplishment include launching the city’s first affordable housing program, leading water, sewer, gas and road infrastructure improvements across the city and helping establish the Gadsden Job Corps Center.
Always seeking to improve and learn how to serve the public better, Robert became the first Gadsden City Councilman to earn a Certified Municipal Official (CMO) certificate and complete additional training to receive an Advanced CMO certificate.
In addition to advocating for Gadsden citizens as a city councilman, Mr. Avery has also been active in seeking support for local governments and cities at the state and federal level. He has served as Chair of the National League of Cities FAIR (Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations) Committee and is a member of the Alabama League of Municipalities FAIR Committee, having served as Vice-Chair and Chair. Additionally, he serves on the Committee on State and Federal Legislation, and is a past member of the Executive Committee.
Robert participates in constituency groups and has served as President of the Alabama Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. He is presently on the board of directors for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Foundation Board.
Beyond Public Office
Robert's dedication to the public exceeds the confines of public office. His other acts of service include the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Housing Advisory Committee, the Gadsden Jaycees, the Alabama Jaycees (5 years on the State Executive Committee), the National Jaycees, Vice-President of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, President of the Board of Directors of Mount Pilgrim Homes, Inc., Gadsden High School Band Booster, Director for many years of the Etowah County Summer Food Program, President of the Gadsden Saints Football Team Booster Club, Commissioner of the Under 8 League and Coach for the Etowah County Soccer Association, Gadsden Tenant Association, ANCHOR/RSVP Board of Directors, and the Gadsden High School Athletic Booster Club.
He has sat on the boards of Etowah Country Extension Services, Gadsden Community Services Council, Vice-President of the Gadsden Tennis Patrons Association, and the Etowah County Extension Service.
Track Record of Commitment
Robert retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Gadsden Plant, after 30 years of service. He has been married for over 54 years to his high school sweetheart, Jan, and they have 2 children, Kimberly Avery-Rollins and Robert (Bobby) Avery, Jr.
Robert and Jan have twin grandchildren, Avery and J'Una Rollins. Other grandchildren are Robert Avery III, Samantha and McKayla. Robert has four great-grandchildren-- Meleah, McKenzie, Mason and Samaree.