Ralph Hellmich began service to the city when he was appointed to represent District 3 in 2004. He was elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. Hellmich began serving as Mayor Pro Tem in 2012 and was elected mayor in 2020.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in geology from the University of Alabama. Hellmich recently retired after 39.5 years with the State of Alabama Oil and Gas Board.

Hellmich currently serves on the Riviera Utilities Board and is chairman of the Board of Directors. He has also served on the Foley Planning Commission.

He is married to Jo McGill Hellmich. They have three children and one grandson.