About Mayor Snyder

Mayor Dana Snyder is a lifelong resident of Southside, Alabama, deeply rooted in the community she now serves. She and her husband, Chris Snyder, are both proud graduates of Southside High School. Together, they share a blended family of five children and are the proud grandparents of twelve grandchildren. Family and faith have always been at the core of her life, shaping her values of dedication, perseverance, and service to others.

Dana’s professional journey is marked by hard work and a passion for making a difference. She earned a paralegal degree from Gadsden State Community College and an accounting degree from Jacksonville State University. Her career in the legal field spanned 25 years—15 years in the private sector and over a decade in municipal government—before she felt a greater calling: to serve her hometown in a more impactful way. In 2019, after being accepted to law school, she made the bold decision to forgo that path and instead run for mayor, believing she could best serve Southside by leading it into the future.

Since taking office in 2020, Mayor Snyder has been committed to learning, growing, and equipping herself with the knowledge necessary to make meaningful progress. She has earned numerous certifications in municipal government, economic development, and governmental finance, including the prestigious Emeritus Award in Municipal Government and a certificate from Auburn University’s Economic Development Institute. In July 2025, she will complete a Certified Governmental Accounting Technician program at the University of Alabama—continuing her commitment to responsible city management.

Beyond her official duties, Mayor Snyder is a dedicated community advocate. She has been involved in numerous nonprofit organizations, including United Way of Etowah County, and serves in leadership roles in regional and statewide municipal organizations. She is passionate about building relationships with local, state, and federal leaders to advance projects that will benefit Southside, including her tireless efforts to secure a new northbound bridge over the Coosa River.

Leading Southside through the challenges of COVID-19, fighting against the proposed rendering plant, and pushing for major infrastructure improvements, Mayor Snyder has demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering dedication to the city. Through challenges and triumphs, she has remained focused on her core belief: leadership is about serving others with integrity, transparency, and a vision for the future.

With a heart for her community and a strong foundation in public service, Mayor Dana Snyder continues to work every day to ensure Southside thrives—not just for today, but for generations to come.