Council adopts executive director job description for Savings Center, plans reclassification of Audrey Buck

The Tuscaloosa City Council voted to adopt a job description for the executive director of the Savings Center and to reclassify Audrey Buck into that role. Buck has been assigned to operate the Savings Center since October 2021, staff said, and the adopted description formalizes responsibilities that include overall facility oversight and tenant coordination.

"This position will inherently make sure that this building is operating at the highest level as far as efficiency, safety, accessibility, and guest experience," Audrey Buck said, describing operational priorities. Buck and staff told the council the facility will serve between an estimated 170,000 and 200,000 patrons a year and will house six tenants in a large shared-space facility. Buck described the site as approximately "117,000 to 118,000 square feet" of mostly shared space, requiring centralized operations management.

Mayor and council discussion framed the position in the context of recruiting and retaining senior-level staff in a market that includes major local employers and universities. The mayor said the city will continue to evaluate senior pay and recruitment to keep responsibilities and pay aligned for large, unique city-operated facilities.

Councilmembers asked whether the role will be posted or whether Buck will be reclassified directly; staff replied the incumbent would be reclassified into the adopted executive director classification, similar to the recent reclassification for the strategic communications executive director. The council approved the job description and reclassification by voice vote.

Staff said the facility is expected to open in late 2027 and that the executive director position will coordinate daily operations and work closely with the director of facility operations (a separate position) once both roles are in place.