Portrait reveled at Madison County courthouse

The new painting of former Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie. (RECORD PHOTO/ALDO AMATO)

By Aldo Amato

Staff Reporter

HUNTSVILLE — A new portrait of former Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie was revealed on Monday at the Huntsville-Madison County Courthouse.

The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce unveiled the portrait by local artist Maggie Little that will hang on the 7th floor of the building.

Gillespie was the longest serving chairman and is still serving the community in many ways  by recruiting businesses and strengthening the local economy, all while out of office.

The Democratic chairman stepped down in 2012 after 32 years of service to the Huntsville/Madison County community. Republican Dale Strong took over on November 15 and has worked with local mayors to improve roadways throughout the county.

Last year, after Gillespie stepped down, former Madison City Councilman Steve Haraway was also elected to the commission.

In Gillespie’s spare time, he coaches at Huntsville Middle School and is a member of the National Association of County Commissioners (NACC). The new painting will hang at the courthouse permanently.