By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On February 21, the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee met to vote on new leadership and elected former Alabama Power executive David Wheeler as the new Alabama Republican Party Treasurer.
Following his election, David Wheeler said in a statement on Facebook, “I am humbled by the trust that has been bestowed on me. Thanks to everyone who supported my campaign. I look forward to working with the new Steering Committee including Terry M. Lathan, Lynn Mitchell Robinson, Chris Brown Clayton Mark Turner, Vicki Ann Drummond, Pat McCain Wilson, and the other newly elected members.”
Former Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead said, “Congratulations David on being elected Treasurer of ALGOP. I know you will do a great job. Let me know any way that I can help you.”
Following his election Wheeler pledged to work, “For transparency and improved communications. I look forward to working with the new steering committee to move our Party forward.”
Wheeler defeated Kimberly Church of God Pastor Dr. Stan Cooke. Cooke unsuccessfully challenged Kay Ivey in the 2014 Republican Primary for Lieutenant Governor.
David Wheeler said in a written statement prior to his election, “As a conservative Republican, and longtime Party activist, we need to ensure that the election gains over the past are extended, not relented, and that will only happen with real leadership, oversight, and transparency.”
David Wheeler is a former Chairman for the Jefferson County Party. Wheeler said, “I know firsthand how important it is that our Republican Party remain not only the majority Party in our state, but the conservative Party. For the many of you who know me from my years of involvement with the Party, you know that if elected to the steering committee I will be a voice for conservative values, sound governance of the Party’s finances, and transparency of our records to the membership.”
Wheeler has an Accounting Degree from the University of Montevallo and a Masters Degree in Business Administration at Samford. Wheeler is a certified management accountant who spent 29 years working for Alabama Power in a variety of roles.
David Wheeler said, “When I retired from Alabama Power in 2001, I was director of Accounting, Finance and Regulatory Services, serving as the primary liaison with the Alabama Public Service Commission. From 1988-1993 I was based in Washington, D.C., as manager of federal affairs for Alabama Power, and from 1972-1988, I held numerous management and staff positions in the Accounting, Finance, Planning and Budgeting Departments of Alabama Power. Most recently, I served for three years as president of Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc.”
Wheeler continued, “I have the professional experience that will allow me to hit the ground running on day one as Treasurer from a financial and oversight standpoint. As a former Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman as well as State Executive Committee member, longtime Jefferson County Republican Party Executive and Steering Committee member, I have the political experience needed for the vital position of Treasurer of the ALGOP.”
Wheeler and his wife Diane live in Vestavia and attend All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood. Wheeler said, “Unlike many other steering committee positions, the ALGOP Treasurer often needs to be able to physically visit Party headquarters not only to provide oversight by signing checks, but to access financial information. With the Party headquarters being located in neighboring Hoover, I will be able to provide the physical oversight needed as your Treasurer.”
Wheeler pledged that as treasurer that he will provide: “Unbiased, transparent, and full reports” to the membership of the Alabama Republican Party, throughout the year, not just at biannual meetings; No check for any amount that is counter to the rules of the Party or the vote of the Steering Committee will be accepted or disbursed; and that he will seek a full annual audit of the Party which will be made available to all the executive committee members.
Wheeler said, “As a longtime Party activist, former Chairman of Alabama’s largest County Party, and a former and current audit committee Chairman for the Jefferson County Party, I have the conservative, political experience to serve as your Treasurer. With a history in accounting and business for one of Alabama’s largest companies, I also possess the professional experience to ensure that there is real, professional oversight and leadership in the position of ALGOP Treasurer.”
In 2014 David Wheeler unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Jack Williams (R) for state representative in the GOP Primary.
