Mr. Jeff Downes began his career with the City of Montgomery in 1987 as a college intern in the Finance Department. His role as an intern included supplementing staff roles in all divisions of the Finance Department and implementation of special projects under leadership of the Director of Finance. In April of 1989, Mr. Downes was hired permanently by the City as its first Risk Manager. Under his direction, the Risk Management division began numerous initiatives designed to control the costs of certain risk exposures. These include the creation of a workers compensation management system, a fully integrated employee assistance program, drug testing program, international drug importation program, self insured liability program, and flexible spending account program utilizing debit cards. In 2003, Mayor Bobby Bright appointed him as one of his Executive Assistants and he remains in this position today. Mr. Downes focuses on public works, council relations, downtown projects and technology matters for the City.

Mr. Downes graduated with honor from Auburn University with a BS degree in Public Administration and from AUM with a Master of Public Administration Degree. He is a certified workers compensation claims adjuster and is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for States Risk Retention Group, a captive insurance company domiciled in Vermont.

Mr. Downes is serving in many different community groups to include the Young Montgomerians Business Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Weed and Seed Program, Montgomery Area Food Bank, St Bede Child Development Center Board of Directors, Jubilee Cityfest, and Catholic Social Services.