By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The founder and president of the Alabaster-based APH Radio station said he plans to continue to support the city’s school system if elected to represent Ward 2 on the Alabaster City Council.

Gene Rowley has announced he intends to run for the council seat once the candidate qualifying period begins on July 5.

If elected, Rowley would replace longtime Ward 2 Councilman Bob Hicks, who is not running for another term.

“I am a servant at heart, and with councilman Hicks retiring, I see an opportunity to serve the people of Alabaster,” Rowley said.

Rowley founded APH Radio, which stands for Alabaster-Pelham-Helena, in 2014 and moved the station into its current location off U.S. 31 in Alabaster in August 2015.

Rowley is active in several local civic organizations, including the American Legion Post 555 in Pelham and The Shelby County Exchange Club. He regularly speaks at high schools, churches and civic clubs on topics ranging from leadership, entrepreneurship and his experience in the military.

He volunteers his time to serve as emcee for numerous organizations and events throughout Shelby County, including Sav-A-Life Shelby, The Shelby County Shindig and veterans events.

Rowley is a retiree from the Alabama National Guard, where he served at the headquarters of 20th Special Forces Group, Airborne located in Birmingham and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Rowley said he believes the Alabaster City School system is the “heart of the community.”

“Alabaster’s continued growth depends on the growth of the wonderful school system we have in Alabaster,” he said.

Rowley has been a youth coach with Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department. He has lived in Alabaster for more than 20 years with his wife, Mandy, and his three daughters.