News | Leadership Alabama

We are so thankful for another incredible year with Leadership Alabama and offer cheers to each of you for your steadfast engagement, support and friendship. Wishing you peace and good health this holiday season and always!

.

Leadership Alabama Class XXXV Nominations open on Tuesday, January 21, 2025!

All program information – dates, program overview, cost, and link to the online nomination form – will be sent via Constant Contact email on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

.

2023 – 2024 Leadership Alabama
Membership Dues & Contributions

Your support has been absolutely amazing, and we are profoundly grateful for your dues and contributions!

For those who haven’t had a chance to do so, we humbly ask you to submit your annual dues of only $175 for this fiscal year, July 2024 – June 2025. You can make an immediate and secure payment online by utilizing the pay online button below. Or, if you prefer a printed invoice for mailing a check, please click the invoice button. Simply print and mail with your check to Leadership Alabama, P.O. Box 131394, Birmingham, AL 35213.

Click to pay online.

Click to print an invoice.

.

We look forward to being with you in 2025!

Ashley, Lydia and Kate

Click here to pay online Click here to print invoice

Click here to see our corporate donors

Click to view ALI Class VII!

CLICK TO PAY ONLINE Click to print an invoice

Click here to see members of ALI Class VII

Welcoming LA Class XXXIV and Connecting with Area LA Members

Click here to play a slideshow of events.

September brought a whirlwind of engaging regional activities to introduce upcoming class members to our Leadership Alabama family and catch up with area members across the state in nine regions. We are extremely grateful to our regional hosts and sponsors!

2024 Regional Event Sponsors (for Class XXXIV)

Auburn/East Alabama Regional Luncheon

David Hedges and Lolly Steiner, AuburnBank

Birmingham Regional Reception

Scott Reed and Jenifer Kimbrough, Oakworth Capitol Bank

Cullman Regional Luncheon

Brian Dove, Cullman-Jefferson Gas District

Huntsville/Northeast Alabama Regional Reception

DeMarco McClain, Bank Independent
David Nast, United Community Bank
Michael Kirkpatrick

Mobile/Baldwin Regional Reception

Rebecca Byrne, Community Foundation of South Alabama
Henry O’Connor, Jones Walker
Jay Watkins, Maynard Nexsen

Montgomery Area Regional Reception

Carl Barker and Delbert Madison, ServisFirst Bank

Shoals/Decatur Regional Dinner

Kim and Macke Mauldin, Bank Independent

Wiregrass Regional Reception

Greg Henderson, Southeast Alabama Gas
Mark Pugh, CDG Engineers
Forrest Register, Register Realty Company
Bob Woodall, Bob Woodall Air Care Systems

Leadership Alabama Class XXXIV

Kicks Off in Montgomery

Class XXXIV “officially” launched in Montgomery last week, October 16-18, and we were thrilled to greet 76 statewide professionals to our revered organization. The class convened at the Alabama State House and was welcomed by LA Board Chair Dr. Linda Young (Class IX) and Amanda Senn (Class XXXIII). As in past years, we were fortunate to have Dr. Ed Bridges (Class VIII) present Alabama’s history relative to today’s issues and economic challenges, which is always the perfect platform for gaining a better understanding of the issues addressed throughout the Montgomery retreat. As shared on the evaluations, “It was a great perspective of our state’s history.”

Afterwards, Bill Poole (Class XXXIII) provided an update on Alabama’s state budget and the future economic outlook, which was cited as a “very good discussion of Alabama’s two budget system.” The program day concluded with Alabama’s public information director, Clay Redden, leading the class in a mock vote about the gambling issue, and the class voted just as the Alabama legislature did – not “for” or “against” gambling but in favor of putting the issue on a statewide ballot for the electorate’s vote. Additionally, a straw vote of the upcoming presidential election was conducted, and the results of the 66 ballots cast were — Trump 53%, Harris 42% and neither/write-in 5%. The day concluded at Montgomery Whitewater with the traditional introduction dinner with fellow classmates, which was preceded by a wonderful cocktail reception with LA area members. “It was wonderful to meet some LA alumni and a fantastic opportunity to get to know our classmates in a relaxed setting.”

The next day, the class traveled to The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Federal Courthouse. Dr. Ryan Hankins (Class XXVIII) started the day with an insightful presentation on recent PARCA research, “Data and Democracy,” which several in the class noted as “an excellent discussion.” Moving to the historic courtroom where Judge Johnson presided over many notable civil rights cases, Joyia Davis of The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute offered a historical overview of the courthouse, followed by the Chief Judge Honorable Emily Marks (Class XXXI), who shared some of the poignant history and outcomes of Judge Johnson’s cases, along with a captivating Q&A conversation. “Judge Marks was extremely interesting and a very impactful speaker.” Thomas Rains (Class XXXIV) then explained the creation of The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute and its mission of sharing stories of our Constitution and our Judiciary, and everyone thought it was “incredible to learn about this history.”

The afternoon was focused solely on the Equal Justice Initiative, and the class participated in self-guided tours through the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The most compelling comment on the evaluations was that the tours were “life changing and impactful.” That evening ended with the forever popular dinearounds in the homes of Montgomery members and local restaurants. As always, everyone raved about the dinners – “Loved the intimacy the dinearound provided. This is a great LA tradition!” During the final morning together, Kathy Boswell of the Alabama Humanities Alliance and Chuck Holmes (Class XXX and LA Board Member) facilitated an interactive presentation, “Healing History: A Shared Experience Through Common Ground,” and the feedback stated it was very good and an eye-opening session. “It was a great way to engage on the tough issues and questions.” Afterwards, the retreat concluded with Chuck leading a class caucus centered on candidly discussing the issues and experiences presented throughout the retreat.

Click to Pay Online Click here to print invoice

Birmingham, AL – Leadership Alabama, a statewide program of Alabama leaders engaged in creating a network of relationships that seeks mutual understanding of problems and priorities for Alabama’s future, is pleased to announce the members of Class XXXIV. The program year will launch on Wednesday, October 16, in Montgomery.

During the year, the class will also convene in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile, where it will hear challenging presentations and participate in class discussions that encourage critical, thoughtful assessments of our state and its issues – both challenging and successful – while learning of some extraordinary initiatives that are addressing those issues. “True to Leadership Alabama’s mission of facilitating strong partnerships and alliances for the good of our state, Class XXXIV, as with all previous classes, is comprised of remarkable leaders who will continue to greatly influence Alabama’s growth and innovation,” expressed Dr. Linda Young, Leadership Alabama’s board chair.

Ashley Kaplan, executive director, added, “Leadership Alabama is an organization represented by our state’s most accomplished and forward-thinking leaders who share a strong commitment to serving the people of Alabama. By assembling such a committed and accomplished group of leaders, the state is sure to benefit from their collective passion, knowledge and influence.”

See Leadership Alabama Class XXXIV members here – https://leadershipal.org/programs/la-current-class/ .