Barbara Tyler spent most of her career working to improve the lives of youth. She retired this week after 19 years with the City of Andalusia.

Tyler, whose background is in education, joined the City of Andalusia in 2000 as youth sports coordinator.

“My kids were playing sports, so I had an interest,” she said. 

She is proud to have instituted a vote for players in the selection of all-star teams. While she was told allowing players to vote would mean each player would vote for him or herself, she found that players’ votes were generally the most honest, free from favoritism and based more on players’ abilities.

Tyler’s first foray into grant writing came in pursuit of the skate park located in Johnson Park. She later worked as grants coordinator for the city, and was a key player in the city’s efforts to secure funding for and build the Miracle League park and field. 

When the City of Andalusia and Andalusia City Schools partnered to develop an after-school program, Tyler was named director of the A.P.P.L.E. The program provides a safe place for students after school where they receive a snack, have free time, are assisted with homework, and have opportunities to pursue extra-curricular activities. 

“We never had to worry about the after-school program, because we knew Barbara would take care of all of the details,” Andy Wiggins, Director of Planning for the city, said. “She’s done a great job with the kids.”

Tyler was honored on Wednesday with a retirement reception at city hall. Mayor Earl Johnson read a proclamation in her honor, and expressed his appreciation for her dedication to the city.

Tyler’s degree is in education, and she taught sixth grade, kindergarten and third grade early in her career. 

She and her husband, Mike, are the parents of three adult children.