| Steve Hettinger | |
|---|---|
| 65th[1] Mayor of Huntsville | |
| In office 1988–1996 |
|
| Preceded by | Joe W. Davis |
| Succeeded by | Loretta Spencer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 25, 1945 Memphis, Tennessee |
| Alma mater | Mississippi State University University of Alabama in Huntsville |
Stephen Ray "Steve" Hettinger (born August 25, 1945) served as mayor of Huntsville, Alabama from 1988 to 1996. During this period, Hettinger became particularly involved in leading the recovery of the city in the aftermath of the Huntsville Tornado of 1989.
Born in Memphis, Hettinger moved to Huntsville in 1967 after graduating from Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He then worked in the space program while studying towards a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, which he received in 1974.[2]
In 1982, he successfully ran for a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, defeating an incumbent. He left the House after winning the 1988 race for mayor of Huntsville, where he defeated five-term Mayor Joe Davis.[2]
A noted Star Trek fan, Hettinger temporarily renamed the city "Star Trek, Alabama" for the colossal "Star Trek 30" Convention in 1996. Among the special guests were the lead actors of the original cast, actors from its spinoffs, and six Apollo astronauts.[3]
In 1995, Hettinger decided not to seek a third term in 1996 election. He considered running as a Democrat for a United States Senate seat being vacated by Howell Heflin, but the primary went to Roger Bedford, Jr. and the seat ultimately was won by Republican Jeff Sessions.[4] After leaving office, Hettinger returned to the private sector to co-found an engineering firm.[5]
| Preceded by Joe W. Davis |
Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama 1988—1996 |
Succeeded by Loretta Spencer |