Alabama Farmers Federation joined state and community leaders this week in congratulating State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Director Gene Wiggins on his retirement and welcoming the new director, John Hamm.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell called Wiggins a “true friend to Alabama farmers and landowners.”

“There is no doubt Alabama’s renewed emphasis on investigating and prosecuting rural crimes can be directly attributed to Gene Wiggins’ leadership,” Parnell said. “As someone who understands and appreciates farming and forestry, Gene brought energy and real-world experience to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). He sought partnerships with the agriculture community and equipped investigators with the tools they needed to get results.”

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor announced Hamm’s appointment Feb. 1. Hamm previously served as ALEA’s director of governmental affairs.

“John has been a dedicated public servant for over 30 years and brings a vision of excellence that will continue SBI’s prominence as a premiere investigative bureau,” Taylor said.

Hamm began his career in 1985 as a police dispatcher while attending college. His career progressed from patrolman to state investigator to federal law enforcement. He also was elected sheriff of his native Barbour County.