CULLMAN, Ala. – Monday evening saw Michael Sullins accept the board appointment to Cullman’s Planning Commission by the Cullman City Council at their council meeting.
The Planning Commission’s duties include developing and adopting the comprehensive plans for the city, as well as providing analysis, recommendations and approval on matters dealing with the present and future development of the city.
With his family serving the community for nearly 150 years, Sullins, a Cullman native son, was proud to continue his family’s tradition with his first City of Cullman board appointment almost 20 years ago. Former Mayor Donald Green, who served as mayor from 2000-2008, provided Sullins that opportunity.
Sullins shared, “Community involvement is something I have always enjoyed. Giving back is something that’s a priority to me and I hope to use my experience and talents for our community.”
The former Oktoberfest Burgermeister’s lineage in Cullman began in 1873, the year of the city’s German settlement and five years before Cullman’s incorporation.
“My story in our great town begins with my great-great-grandfather Nick Ruehl who was called ‘Uncle Nick’ in town. He came here in 1873 with his cousin Henry Graf. You can still find his log cabin today at the Peinhardt Farms.”
Born at the former Cullman Medical Center, now The Folsom Center, and educated in Cullman, Sullins went on to earn master’s degrees in both Engineering and Business Administration. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Alabama Fire College as a fire inspector and from the University of Wisconsin as Certified Loss Control Professional.
Currently, he works for the Alabama Rural Electric Association, the statewide organization affiliated with electric cooperatives, including Cullman Electric Cooperative. He is a consultant for regulatory and compliance and engineering, as well as a safety instructor.
Sullins chairs the Public, Educational and Governmental Access Channel (PEG Station) for the City of Cullman and the city’s Tree Commission. He has served as an officer on the Oktoberfest Committee and the Cullman Historical Society.
A familiar face to those who participate in the city’s historical walking tours, Sullins is a people person who delights in meeting new people and swapping stories. Despite his full schedule, he still finds time to enjoy the great outdoors by swimming, hiking and cycling. In more subdued moments, he can be found reading and playing the guitar.
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