AME Church Member Makes History as Revenue Commissioner For Russell County, Alabama
By Rev. Alvelyn Saunders-Swafford, 9th Episcopal District
On February 1, 2024, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey appointed Mrs. Natalie Thomas Kirkland as the Revenue Commissioner for Russell County, Alabama, making Kirkland the first African American to serve. She was appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of the outgoing Revenue Commissioner, Mrs. Naomi Elliott, who retired. When Mrs. Kirkland see
ks election to the position in 2026 and is elected, she will make history again as the first African American elected. Kirkland joined the staff of the Revenue Commissioner’s office in 2003; she was promoted to Chief Clerk in 2014. With 20 years of experience and knowledge of the Code of Alabama, she begins her appointment fully equipped to lead with the necessary acumen and proven integrity. “I welcome this new opportunity to continue my service to the Russell County, Alabama community. I will always embody honesty and integrity as I serve,” says Kirkland. Russell County, with a population of approximately 52,000, is in the south-central-eastern portion of Alabama, bordered by the Chattahoochee River and the State of Georgia on the east boundary. Phenix City, Alabama, is the county seat. Russell County includes Ft. Mitchell and a part of Ft. Moore.
Mrs. Natalie Thomas Kirkland, her husband, Mr. Johnathon Kirkland, and their teenage daughter Jasmine are lifelong, active members of Gaines Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Phenix City, Alabama, in the Phenix City District of the Northeast Alabama Annual Conference in the Ninth Episcopal District. Mrs. Kirkland serves Gaines Chapel in many capacities, notably by sharing her artistic creativity and innovation with the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD). Reverend Raymond Swafford and Reverend Alvelyn Sanders-Swafford are co-pastors of Gaines Chapel AME Church. Presiding Elder Johnny Rutledge leads the Phenix City District; Bishop Harry L. Seawright leads the Ninth Episcopal District.
