There must be more than 24 hours in Alex Dudchock’s day.

The Shelby County manager seems to accomplish more in one day than many do in a week. It’s not uncommon to get an e-mail from Dudchock before sunrise or find him at a county commission work session late into the evening.

“The man has an unbelievable amount of energy,” said Lindsey Allison, county commission chairwoman.

Dudchock has been county manager for more than 15 years, although his total time with Shelby County is approaching two decades.

As county manager, he oversees the day-to-day operation of 12 different departments. Those include water services, development services, finance, juvenile detention, environmental services and the Shelby County Airport.

During his tenure, Dudchock has managed the construction of more than $150 million in capital projects that make Shelby County an even more attractive place to call home and do business.

Dudchock has worked to make the county safer. Under his leadership, the county built a state-of-the-art jail and new juvenile detention facility. He’s also worked with local fire departments to bring the county fire and emergency medical training complex to Calera.

Dudchock has paved the way for new industry and development in the county. He brought the Shelby West Corporate Park to Alabaster. He oversaw the construction of a much-needed water treatment plant in Wilsonville that will foster even more growth in South Shelby County. He led the effort for major renovations and expansions at the Shelby County Airport.

Dudchock has raised the county’s quality of life. As county manager, Dudchock helped build more than 20 public parks, from Hoover to Lay Lake.

“When he finishes his tenure, nobody will have left a bigger mark in the history of Shelby County,” said Allison. “He is truly the epitome of a public servant.”