John T. Smallwood is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, completed additional studies at Samford University and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law in 1992.

J.T. was elected in the general election held in November 2002. He has managed and consulted in numerous state and local campaigns.

He brings to the Tax Collector's Office an extensive background in law and business. He served as Law Firm Administrator and as a lecturer in Law and Ethics. Additionally, he brings a common sense approach to solving problems, which was honed while being a small business owner.

J.T. is involved in numerous charitable and civic activities.