Alexander City District Administrator Craig Phillips paid his ALDOT dues at a very young age.
He spent one summer as a labor intern as the teen son of a veteran employee
The work ethic he learned was probably more valuable than his wage.
“Started out around $4.25, $4.28, something like that an hour, as a laborer, with no overtime, no holidays,” Phillips said.
That internship transitioned into a highway maintenance career with the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Alex City District.
“I enjoyed the people when I got here. I enjoyed the work, liked to build things, liked to do things and liked to mechanic. So, I like to see things from start to finish,” Phillips said.
Eventually, he worked his way up to District Administrator, a position he has held for the last decade.
Phillips claimed his hard-working crew consistently overcomes staffing shortages to maintain their 4,144 miles of roadway.
“The biggest accomplishment, I guess, would be just the guys stepping up and pulling more of their weight in the recent years,” Phillips said.
He believes one of the keys to their success is communication.
Whether it is pushing through exhaustion during a winter storm or replacing a 48-inch pipe in 24 hours, their camaraderie is crucial.
“We’re tight knit. Most people know everybody’s extended family and like I said, it’s a small community and I think that’s what makes it special,” Phillips said.
When asked about his most experienced team members and their value, he said there were two who came to mind.
District Lead Clerk Sherri Battle joined ALDOT three decades ago.
Phillips said the crew leans on her years of experience with payroll and ALDOT regulations to keep projects moving.
“She’s our glue. Everybody comes to her when they need something,” Phillips said.
Then there is Superintendent Shaun Coker.
A man of many roadway maintenance talents, Phillips said the veteran leads by example.
“He’s very knowledgeable. He can operate anything. He has his CDLs. He can do it all,” he said.
Phillips recognizes they cannot fix every motorist concern as fast as the public would like.
However, he and his overachieving team strive to deliver the best service with the resources they have.
“Keeping the traveling public safe. Trying to get things done, as efficiently and cheaply as possible. So, I mean, I enjoy the challenge,” Phillips said.
The former summer labor intern promises his crew will tackle each challenge based on priority.
“Give us time, and we will get there,” he said.
