Parwez “P.A.” Alam was born in India and grew up in Karachi, Pakistan. He moved to the United States in and served as city manager of Dunedin, Florida, from 1974-1984. He later worked for the engineering firm PBS&J and as the head of Leon County’s Public Works department before being selected to serve Leon County Administrator in 1989.
Alam focused on creating a high-functioning government with written policies and procedures manuals. Under his leadership, the County created public library and parks systems, opened community centers, improved roads and stormwater facilities, and built the County Courthouse, jail, and Transfer Station. Additionally, he facilitated the purchase of the Leon County Annex on Calhoun Street.
After 22 years of dedicated service, Alam retired from the position in 2011. He died on October 7, 2018.
In 2021, Leon County named a park in his honor within Okeeheepkee Prairie Preserve. The includes an ADA-compliant playground with a focus on inclusive play equipment for children of all abilities in honor of Alam’s daughter Zahra.