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The Connie Hudson for Mayor campaign officially introduced its senior leadership team on Monday, unveiling a group of seasoned professionals to guide the campaign’s strategy, communications and community engagement efforts. The campaign’s leadership includes Wiley Blankenship as campaign manager, Aqualyn Kennedy as communications director and Dr. Raoul Richardson as community outreach director.
Wiley Blankenship, a well-known figure in South Alabama’s economic development and advocacy circles, recently stepped down from his role as President and CEO of Coastal Alabama Partnership to join the Hudson campaign. Over the past decade, Blankenship played a pivotal role in shaping Coastal Alabama’s competitiveness, championing infrastructure investments, workforce development and tourism initiatives.
“I’m excited to join the Connie Hudson for Mayor campaign and contribute my expertise to drive positive, meaningful change for every single resident of Mobile,” Blankenship said. “Working with Commissioner Hudson over the years, I’ve been impressed with her vision and work ethic. Her record speaks for itself, but as a resident raising a family in the city, I greatly appreciate her commitment to improving our quality of life. As our next mayor, I know she will keep the momentum going, and more importantly, I know that she is the only candidate with the experience to deliver progress on day one.”
Aqualyn Kennedy, an experienced strategic communications and brand management expert, brings over two decades of marketing experience, including leadership roles at Procter and Gamble and the American Heart Association. She is also the co-founder of Kennedy Strategic Communications, advising businesses and organizations on branding, crisis management and public relations. Kennedy, who has deep community ties through nonprofit work, will oversee the campaign’s messaging and voter outreach strategies.
Dr. Raoul Richardson, a longtime community leader and advocate, will lead the campaign’s outreach and engagement efforts. Richardson has held leadership roles with organizations including Mobile United, the Mobile Area Interfaith Conference, the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and the Gulf Coast Health Policy Coalition. His experience in public service has included working with the Mobile County Commission, the Stimpson administration and the Governor’s office to advance community-driven initiatives.
“I am so excited to welcome Wiley, Aqualyn and Dr. Richardson to our team,” Hudson said. “Wiley has been a trusted leader who I know will do a great job of keeping our campaign focused on delivering the momentum Mobile deserves. Both Aqualyn and Dr. Richardson bring high-level expertise to the campaign team, and they will ensure that we maintain a strong message of experience and trust across Mobile.”
Hudson’s mayoral campaign builds on her extensive public service as a Mobile County commissioner and former Mobile City Council member, where she played a key role in transformative projects. Her leadership contributed to major initiatives, including the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility site selection, expansions at Austal, the west Mobile road expansion from I-10 to I-65 through Saraland and Theodore, the establishment of the Mobile County Recycling Center, and the development of senior centers, community centers and recreational parks, including Mobile’s Soccer Complex.
While Hudson’s immediate focus as mayor would be on completing ongoing projects, her campaign platform prioritizes economic development with a focus on keeping jobs in Mobile, public safety enhancements, environmental initiatives and infrastructure improvements, expanding sports and recreational activities and neighborhood beautification efforts.
“With strong partnerships and proven leadership, we can take Mobile to the next level,” Hudson said.
As the mayoral race gains momentum, Hudson’s campaign team is gearing up for an aggressive voter outreach effort. With Blankenship’s expertise in regional advocacy, Kennedy’s communications strategy and Richardson’s deep-rooted community engagement, the campaign is positioning itself as the experienced choice for Mobile’s future. The Mobile mayoral election is set to take place in 2025, with Hudson expected to face competition from other local leaders.
