FOLEY — Riviera Utilities Director of Public Affairs and Cable Television David Horton is leaving after 13 years with the organization’s Foley office.

Horton is leaving to serve as director of Opelika Power Services near Auburn. After giving a 30-day notice earlier this month, he will assume the new position on July 1.

Horton said that although he was not looking for a new position, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller approached him. He initially turned the offer down.

“But the mayor is a terrific salesman and convinced me in numerous ways that I was the person he wanted and needed,” Horton said. “We have known each other for a number of years and have a great friendship as well. He worked on me and finally after much thought and prayer, I accepted his offer to come to Opelika.”

One motivation was Opelika, itself.

“They have a great industrial park and leaders who are making things happen,” Horton said. “Opelika Power Services is installing Smart Grid to enhance their utility operations. This will allow fiber to the home and add broadband services to deliver voice, video and ultra-high-speed Internet service (called the ‘Triple Play’ - phone, cable and internet services in one package) to the citizens and businesses of Opelika. Opelika will be the first city in Alabama to provide this service and it is history in the making. I am excited about that opportunity.”

To prepare for the new venture, Horton will have to shift gears.

“Well it really is a transition from Public Affairs and Cable TV for which I have been “responsible,” he said. I have experience in managing people from other jobs over the years so it will just take a little time to adjust to the new responsibilities. I have always been a people person, optimistic and positive. I told my boss, General Manager Mike Dugger that I hope to take a little of Riviera Utilities with me to pass on the employees at Opelika. I have never dreaded a single day of coming to work at Riviera and I think that speaks well for Mike and our work relationship. There is a tremendous amount of respect for each other, trust and loyalty. I hope I can have that same relationship with the employees of Opelika Power Services. I am looking forward to the challenge and becoming a part of the team there. They have some great employees that I have already met and I look forward to great things for the city of Opelika and OPS and becoming a part of their team.”

Dugger reciprocates Horton’s admiration.

“I can’t say enough about David,” he said.

One thing he did say was that Horton actually developed Riviera Utilities’ Public Affairs Department.

“I think he actually helped us raise the bar on public relations,” Dugger said. “He’s represented Riviera Utilities very well in the community.”

Foley Mayor John Koniar agreed with that thought.

“His talents and his photography will be missed,” Konia said.

The mayor pointed out that Horton was very active in Foley civic affairs.

“He was very active in the community,” Koniar said. “He was chairman of the Planning Commission and chairman of the Prayer Breakfast.”

Nonetheless, both Dugger and Koniar wish Horton well in Opelika.

“I’m obviously happy that he has the opportunity to move up to a position that allows him to better his career,” Koniar said.

For Horton, the move is bittersweet.

“I love Riviera Utilities, the employees, the area, the organizations I have been a part of, and the many friends I have made here,” he said. “I will miss the community, our friends and our church family very much. We will always have a special place in our hearts for this area. The decision to leave this area, this job, these people, this community was very difficult. There are so many things I am thankful to God for and the one thing most in my heart is for leading us to Foley, Alabama. I have to thank Sewell St. John for bringing me here and the board that was in place at the time, Mr. Arthur Holk, Mr. Charlie Ebert, Jr., Mayor Tim Russell, Mr. Sam Parker and Mr. Bob Davis. They were and are great leaders in the community and I consider it a privilege and honor to be the one chosen by them to be the first Manger of Public Affairs at Riviera.

Horton has served at Riviera Utilities for 13 years. While here, he created the organization’s public affairs department and oversaw its cable television department. His career in utilities dates back to 1972 when Horton took part in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s electrical-apprenticeship program.

Dugger said Horton’s position has already been filled by Miles McDaniel, a Baldwin County native and former Baldwin EMC employee who is returning to the area after an eight-year stint with the city of Bowling Green, Ky. Municipal Utilities.