Chris Rice
Christopher B. Rice is an accountant and former chair of the Birmingham Water Works Board.
Rice earned his bachelor's degree in accounting at Miles College. He has worked in finance and accounting for several businesses, including serving as assistant controller for American Family Care. He has also served on the board of the Fred Horn Industrial Baseball League.
Rice was appointed to fill Deborah Clark's seat on the Water Works Board by Mayor Randall Woodfin in January 2021, and was elected chair in January 2022.
In August 2022 Woodfin publicly criticized the Water Works Board for poor customer service, faulty billing, and for interference in the details of managing the utility. Rice tendered his resignation by letter on September 6, but later claimed that the offer was made under duress and that he would continue to serve. City attorney Nicole King issued an opinion that the resignation had been effected upon the city clerk's receipt of the letter and could not be rescinded.
References
- Prickett, Sam (January 12, 2021) "Birmingham Gets New Economic Director, Water Board Members." BirminghamWatch
- Gann, Heather (September 15, 2022) "Birmingham Water Works Board chairman cannot rescind resignation, city attorney says." The Birmingham News