Josh Vasa
Josh Vasa
Age: 44
Residence: Birmingham (Glen Iris)
Political experience: First run for public office.
Professional experience: Chief operating officer for Woodlawn United since February 2025; director of operations for Blight Free Birmingham, 2021-2024; director, Birmingham Strong, an effort to boost recovery after the pandemic, 2020-2021; general manager, Carrigan’s Public House, 2019-2020; director of growth and strategy, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, 2018-2019; vice president of operations, McWane Science Center, 2015-2018; festival director, Sidewalk Film Festival, 2012-2016; corporate support manager, Alabama Public Television, 2007-2009; development manager, Kids One Transport, 2005-2007; interim director of multicultural affairs, Birmingham-Southern College, 2003-2004. As a musician, Vasa led the group VASA and still performs as Sanyasi.
Educational experience: Bachelor’s in business administration, Birmingham-Southern College, 2003.
Main issues: Community engagement is one of Vasa’s top priorities. He wants to hold regular town halls and community meetings for residents and business owners along with improving tools for information and communication with town hall. He also wants to focus on infrastructure, including well-maintained streets and parks along with smart street designs, bike lanes, beautification projects and more express bus stops in the district. Pubic safety is another priority, and Vasa wants to focus on practical, community-driven solutions such as better lighting, creation of neighborhood support teams and support for unhoused residents. He also wants to support district schools by fostering partnerships among schools, local businesses and community organizations; strengthening after-school programs; and providing tutoring, mentoring and enrichment opportunities.
