Office of the Jefferson County Mayor

The county mayor is the Chief Executive Officer who performs many duties for our citizens. The county mayor serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member of each committee of the county legislative body and of each board, commission, or authority of the county government. The county mayor appoints members of county boards, commissions, and department heads subject to confirmation by the legislative body. The county mayor has the care and custody of all county property and may enter into letters of agreement with the county fee officials regarding the number of deputies and assistants and their salaries. The mayor may also examine the accounts of the county officers to verify each item of expenditure or revenue.

Mayor Randy Bales

Randy Bales is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County and the son of Guy Carlisle and Beulah Bales. Raised on his family’s farm in New Market, Mayor Bales comes from a family with deep roots in the community. His father was raised on the Bales family farm on Quarry Road in New Market, a property that has been in the Bales family since the late 1800s and remains in family ownership today.

After graduating and beginning his career, Bales worked for Old Dominion Freight Lines, followed by seven years in the finance industry. He later joined Arconic, formerly Alcoa Aluminum, while also owning and operating his own welding and fabrication shop in New Market.

Bales began his career in public service as the Jefferson County Commissioner for the Seventh District, where he served three terms. During his tenure on the County Commission, he served on numerous committees and boards, including the Animal Control Oversight Board, Opioid Board, Long Range Planning Committee, Budget Committee, Public Service Committee, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, Conservation Board, and Regional Planning Commission. Through these roles, he gained firsthand experience with the county’s operations, finances, infrastructure needs, and the opportunities and challenges facing Jefferson County.

In 2026, Bales was elected Mayor of Jefferson County, bringing his experience as a lifelong resident, small-business owner, farmer, and former county commissioner to the Mayor’s Office.

Mayor Bales and his wife, Traci, have been married for 24 years and have three grown sons, John Tyler, Lucas, and Tucker.

A strong advocate for Jefferson County and its residents, Mayor Bales is committed to responsible financial management, continued infrastructure improvements, economic development, and supporting the county’s agricultural community. He believes in working collaboratively and taking a common-sense, steady approach to preparing Jefferson County for continued growth while preserving the qualities that make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.