Mayor and City Council

Mayor

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Proud to be a descendent of multiple generations of Craigs that have raised their families in Owens Cross Roads, Mayor Tony Craig has been a resident of Owens Cross Roads for most of his life. He graduated from New Hope High School in 1976, and graduated Athens State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was employed by SCI, Martin Marietta, and Rockwell International before moving home and landing at Boeing in 1985.

Throughout his life, Tony has given back to the community he loves. He served as a Volunteer Fire Fighter with Owens Cross Roads Volunteer Fire Department, was heavily involved in the Owens Cross Roads Recreational League, and served as Vice President and President of the League for several years. He was part of the original Planning Commission for Owens Cross Roads. Tony served as a council member for 20 years, then was elected Mayor of Owens Cross Roads in 2012 and continues to serve in that position.

While serving on the council and as Mayor, he has been part of several areas of growth: sewer system expansion, multiple real estate developments, the building of a new Town Hall, Owens Cross Roads Rec Center improvements, installation of storm shelters, small business development, multiple road improvements, and growth & improvement of both the fire and police departments to include a new fleet of police vehicles, new protective vests & body cameras for the police officers, the purchase of a new fire truck and a grant for the fire department to obtain scuba equipment. Tony also has a great working relationship with the Madison County District 3 Commissioner Craig Hill and State Representative District 22 Ritchie Whorton.

Each year since 2007, Mayor Craig, has portrayed Santa to the community children.

He and his wife, Elizabeth, are the proud parents of 1 college age son, Andrew. He and his family love Owens Cross Roads and are excited to see what the future holds for the continuing growth of the city.

Council Member – Seat 1

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Elizabeth Craig is involved in several community activities and is a leader in many aspects of the city. With 30 years at Boeing under her belt, she brings extensive experience to her retired life. During her four terms on the council, spanning from 2008 to 2002, and 2023 – current, she has made significant contributions such as upgrading the City Clerk’s office with new computers and participating in the hiring process for the new City Clerks. Her support for the Police Department is notable, particularly in the acquisition of vehicles, standardizing weapons, and increasing uniform allowances. 

In addition to her council duties, Elizabeth is deeply engaged in community activities. Currently serving on the City Council, Planning Commission as well as the Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee, she plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s future. Her involvement in organizing Christmas Parades, Halloween Celebrations, and her dedication to the Police Reserve Officers fundraising efforts display her dedication to the community’s well-being. She is also part of the OCR Homemakers that is vital to our community. 

Furthermore, her prior volunteer work as Treasurer for both the Owens Cross Roads Recreation Center and Elementary School PTO highlights her financial acumen and dedication to supporting local institutions. Her role on the committee that contributed to Owens Cross Roads School receiving the Blue-Ribbon Award underscores her commitment to education and excellence in the community. 

Overall, Elizabeth Craig’s extensive work history, council experience, and community leadership make her a highly respected and invaluable asset to Owens Cross Roads. 

Elizabeth and her family have resided in Owens Cross Roads for almost 40 years.

Council Member – Seat 2

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Claude Lang has lived in the Owens Cross Roads Community his entire life. He attended Owens Cross Roads Elementary and Junior High and then transitioned to New Hope High School, where he excelled in sports, earning All-County honors in football, baseball, and basketball. 

Claude was a member of Cave Springs Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving as a deacon for 15 of those years. During his career as a teacher and assistant administrator, he also served as the Graduation Coach for the Owens Cross Roads/New Hope cluster. He initiated the first Peer Helper group at the high school, which played a crucial role in supporting Owens Cross Roads and New Hope Elementary schools.

Claude worked closely with The Care Center to aid poor, underprivileged, and disenfranchised children at the elementary schools. Known for his civic-minded nature, Claude has always aimed to improve the schools, community, and people of Owens Cross Roads and New Hope. He views his community involvement as a ministry and leads with a servant’s heart, never asking anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself. 

Currently, Claude works full-time for Madison County Schools. He is married and has one grown daughter. 

Mayor Pro Tempore & Council Member – Seat 3

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Scott Baker is a native of Owens Cross Roads, AL. He attended both Owens Cross Roads Elementary and New Hope High School. Then moved to Florence, AL where he attended the University of North Alabama graduating with two degrees. After graduating from the University of North Alabama, Scott returned to Owens Cross Roads to help with the family business, Baker’s Hardware. After working with customers in the store, he soon learned he would like to take those relationships outdoors. Scott then started selling landscape resources, and building custom homes. Since then he has continued to build custom homes throughout Madison County, and took to land development starting with Gingerwood Estates in Owens Cross Roads.

Scott is married to Amy Baker, and they have two children Hayden and Layne. When not working, you will find Scott enjoying time with his family. Scott is glad to be able to give back to his home community and serve as a local city councilman.

Council Member – Seat 4

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Terry Mann has served in Seat 4 on the City Council since 2020.

Terry was born in Madison County, Alabama and grew up in New Hope, Owens Cross Roads and Gurley communities. 

After graduating from New Hope High School, he joined the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Vietnam working as a helicopter mechanic, he became part of the elite group known as the “Seawolves”. Shortly, after returning to the states, he decided to join the Army National Guard retiring after serving 17 years. 

He was employed at Redstone Arsenal and retired after 23 years. 

In his free time, Terry likes to teach auto mechanics to any young person interested while rebuilding and restoring antique vehicles. He also has a great love for riding horses.

Council Member – Seat 5

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James Mann has served on the City Council since 2019. He was born and raised in the Owens Cross Roads, New Hope, and Gurley communities. He has remained in the North Alabama area for his entire work and school career, graduating from Madison County High School then earning an Associate’s degree from JF Drake in Applied Technology and then a Bachelor of Science from UAH in Electrical Engineering. Currently, he works for the Department of Defense as an Electronics Engineer.