The following biographical sketch was compiled at the time of induction into the Academy in 2025.

​

William S. “Sandy” Stimpson, a lifelong Mobilian, has dedicated his career to community
service in the private sector and in public office. Stimpson’s leadership has spanned business, civic
engagement, and political life — all faithfully supported by his wife, Jean, their children, and his
siblings. 

Stimpson earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama
in 1975. His career began at Gulf Lumber Company, where he served for more than three decades
before becoming Executive Vice President of Scotch & Gulf Lumber. Stimpson’s private-sector work
grounded him in sound management practices and taught him the value of mentors, relationships,
teamwork, and financial stewardship.

In 2013, Stimpson won election to the first of three terms as mayor of Mobile, bringing a vision to create One Mobile: a safer, more business- and family-friendly city. The Stimpson administration helped transform Mobile’s financial position, spurring economic development and investment in critical infrastructure. The city also grew through annexation, paid down millions in debt service, and advanced transformational projects like the Mobile Arena, the Mobile International Airport, and the activation of the downtown riverfront.

Stimpson’s civic service record is extensive. He has chaired and served on numerous boards, including the Business Council of Alabama, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama Policy Institute. His commitment to environmental stewardship and educational pathways for disadvantaged children is exemplified by his founding role in Partners for Environmental Progress and Prichard Preparatory School.

He has been deeply engaged in education and community service, serving as a trustee for UMS-Wright Preparatory School for over 30 years, chairing the University of Alabama President’s Cabinet, and holding a trustee position at the University of South Alabama. Stimpson’s leadership and philanthropy have been recognized with honorary doctorates from the University of Mobile (2016) and the University of South Alabama (2024), the honor of Distinguished Engineering Fellow from the University of Alabama, the Fred and Ann Delchamps Distinguished Philanthropist Award (2025), the William  Crawford Gorgas Award from the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (2023), and the Robert W. Lee Political Courage Award from the Business Council of Alabama (2013).

From his earliest days in the lumber business to his final days as mayor, Sandy Stimpson has been guided by his faith in God and empowered by personal prayer and the prayers of others. He and Jean are blessed by four children and their spouses — Billy (Beth), Virginia (Garner), Sands (Christina), and Nancy (Will) — as well as 14 beautiful grandchildren. They are proud members of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Today, November 3rd, is his first day of formal retirement. While he’s looking forward to doing whatever Jean says, he hopes that will include more hunting and fishing.  

​