The city of Athens has seen tremendous growth since Ronnie Marks became mayor in 2010.

One of the fastest growing cities in the Alabama, the city’s population has grown by about 10,000 people in the past 13 years, and the growth is showing no signs of stopping.

Marks served two stints on the city council before becoming mayor. He served from 1982 to 1986 and 2004 to 2010. Marks became mayor when then-Mayor Dan Williams was elected to the Alabama Legislature.

Marks was city council president at the time. Under state law, the council president in a city of Athens’ size becomes mayor if the previous mayor resigns.

He has since won election as mayor in 2012, 2016 and 2020.