David Bradford hails from Alexander City, Alabama. His career with Extension lasted from 1969 to 1995 and was spent serving in the Jefferson County area.  Bradford obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Auburn University.
 
Bradford served as a County Agent and County Coordinator for Jefferson County.  He also served as a District Agent in Decatur for Jefferson and surrounding counties. One of the highlights of his tenure in Jefferson County was time spent exclusively as a horticulture agent working with greenhouse, landscape, and garden center operations.

​Gaines Smith was the first person Bradford met at Extension, and he was both a friend and a mentor from that very first day. He helped Bradford recognize that face to face time with Extension clients is extremely important. At the same time, Bradford acknowledges that the world, and technology, are always changing so Extension has to 

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find ways to “remain relevant to the people we serve.” Bradford was pleased to be able to mentor and share advice with younger Extension and Auburn University employees such as Heath Hoffman, John Nabors, and Bethany O’Rear.
 
After concluding his career with Extension, Bradford went on to establish a landscaping business with an emphasis on maintenance of boxwoods and other ornamentals. The company’s services were well-regarded, and he came to be known as “The Boxwood Doctor.” Bradford enjoys retirement with his wife of 47 years, Jan. They appreciate time with their son, Matt and daughter, Holly.  Five grandchildren, with almost a ten-year range amongst them, are “such a joy.”