On January 18, 2011, Council President William W. "Bill" Gillespie, Jr. was sworn in as Mayor of the City of Prattville. Mayor Gillespie was first elected to the Prattville City Council in 2004. He served District 1 in that capacity for over six years. He became the second generation to serve the citizens through government. His father, “Billy” Gillespie, served on the City Council from 1984 – 1992, and his dedication and service to the community became an inspiration to his son.

On December 7, 2010, Gillespie was voted by his peers to fill the position of Council President Pro Tempore. On January 14, 2011, Gillespie ascended to the role of Council President. In that role, he accepted the position of Mayor, which was vacated when the former Mayor accepted a position in state government.

On August 28, 2012, Gillespie was elected by the citizens of Prattville to a full term in office. He was sworn in on November 5, 2012, amongst family and friends. He was re-elected on August 23, 2016, for a second 4-year term and on August 25, 2020, for a third 5-year term.

Mayor Gillespie serves on the City of Prattville Planning Commission.

Mayor Gillespie earned his Certified Municipal Official designation in August 2012. He earned his Advanced Certified Municipal Official designation in December 2015.

Bill Gillespie, Jr. was born May 7, 1958, to Billy Gillespie and his wife Virginia, a native of Michigan. He has two brothers and one sister. Since 1955, the Gillespie family has operated an auto service and repair company in Prattville. Bill, Jr. began working for the family business in 1970 and took over its management in 1980. Bill is married to the former Stephanie Cannady. They have two children, a son, Bobby, and a daughter, Kendall. Bobby is a Huntingdon graduate and now manages the family business. Bobby is also in real estate sales. He married the former Jennifer Camp in March 2014, and they have three children, Lucy, born on September 30, 2015, and twins, Milly James and William Grady, born February 12, 2019. Kendall has now joined the family business at Gillespie Tire Service.

“My father taught me how important it is to serve others. Prattville is a great city, and I feel privileged to be a part of its continued success. I am proud of the progress made under my administration by bringing financial stability through enterprise funds and establishing the Public Works Department. Establishing a line-item budgeting process and developing budget accountability through Fiscal Departmental Reserve Funds, has transformed the City of Prattville’s financial footprint. I work daily to ensure long-range fiscal responsibility, infrastructure stability, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens in the City of Prattville,” said Bill Gillespie, Jr.