Paul Schaffer
Board Member
Paul Schaffer brings decades of relationship-building experience and a deep commitment to community service to his role as a member of the Utilities Board and Place 4 representative on the Cullman City Council. A lifelong Cullman resident, Schaffer spent 38 years in the automotive industry, including more than 30 years as General Manager at Mitch Smith Chevrolet, where he built a reputation for honesty, problem-solving, and putting people first.
Schaffer entered the car business in 1987, drawn to the people-centered nature of the work. That same mindset guides his approach to public service today. He believes strong leadership is rooted in clear communication, accountability, and transparency. “If something’s wrong, you fix it. If you can’t fix it, you explain why,” he says. In his council role, Schaffer oversees key municipal services including electricity, gas, sewer, solid waste, water, and the Utilities Board. He is focused on learning every aspect of these systems and ensuring Cullman’s infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Long-term planning for water, sewer, gas, and electric services is a priority, and he has been a strong supporter of the Duck River Reservoir project as a critical investment in Cullman’s future water supply. Schaffer is known for his accessibility and responsiveness, emphasizing that citizens should feel comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns. He values collaboration and teamwork, and looks forward to working alongside fellow leaders with diverse backgrounds and ideas to move the community forward.
Outside of city business, Schaffer enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, along with good food, local restaurants, and community events. Christkindlmarkt is a favorite, where he appreciates the atmosphere, cooler weather, and seeing families enjoy time together. Above all, Paul Schaffer hopes his service leaves a positive, lasting impact. His goal is simple: to serve Cullman with integrity and dedication so that residents can one day say, “He did a good job, and I’m proud of him.”