The Alabama Sheriffs Association has a new president.

The group pledged to install Donald Valenza of Houston County for the top spot at its winter conference in Opelika. This will be the first time a Houston County sheriff will serve as president of the association.

Although he will take on new responsibilities, Valenza said his main focus will remain the same.

“Houston County is my top priority” Sheriff Valenza said at a press conference.

In his new role, Valenza will be responsible for providing support to the state's 66 other sheriffs when the need arises, especially during disasters.

Valenza joined the Houston County Sheriff's Department in 1979. He held multiple positions within the Sheriff's Department, including a time in the 1980s when he was a member of Houston County's first SWAT team. He has served as Houston County Sheriff since 2014.

Valenza will succeed Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver, who served as association president in 2023.

The Alabama Sheriffs Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1889 that promotes the educational, social, and philanthropic efforts of the state's sheriffs.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.