Ralph Hellmich began service to the city when he was elected to the City Council to represent District 3 in 2004. He was re-elected in 2008, 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 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.