Leadership Alabama

Highlighting News and Events and Introducing Leadership Alabama Class XXXIII

Leadership Alabama is preparing for another incredible year of programming and member events, and we are so excited about being with you as we travel throughout the state.  In addition to the Welcome Receptions for new class members, the four LA retreats – all including area membership dinners with the current LA class – and the three ALI sessions, be sure to watch for other planned activities such as field trips and regional events that will be planned and announced throughout the year.   

“Connecting Engaged Leaders and Establishing Lasting Relationships”

During last year’s program year, LA Class XXXII visited Kids to Love, a nonprofit dedicated solely to meeting the needs of children in foster care.  Its dynamic founder and LA member Lee Marshall (Class XXIX) presented an engaging and very comprehensive view of the many initiatives that are Kids to Love’s foundation, from training and licensing foster care parents, to providing a communal home for young girls and a community of houses for those who age out of the system, to providing backpacks for 5,600 children, to facilitating “shopping” for families during the holiday season to creating one of the most successful training programs, KTECH, for connecting students to jobs in the Huntsville area.

Jo Bonner, president of the University of South Alabama and a member of Class XXXII, was so moved by the work being accomplished – all through donations and gifts without any government subsidies – that he invited Lee to Mobile so that he could introduce her, her team and their incredible work to USA’s School of Social Work and to a wide spectrum of Mobile leaders and potential partners.  He hosted an informational breakfast in the President’s boardroom at USA and invited area LA members and other community leaders.  Ken Brown, South Alabama Market president of First Horizon Bank and a XXXII classmate of Jo’s, orchestrated a Business After Hours event at the Gulf Quest National Maritime Museum to share the critical need and accompanying services targeted for Mobile to support children in foster care and to recruit, train and license foster families.  Graciously hosting the event were The Honorable Sandy Stimpson (Class II)/City of Mobile, Ken Brown/First Horizon Bank, Jeb Shell (Class XXXI)/Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, Eliska Morgan (Class XXXII)/Thompson Engineering and Jo Bonner/University of South Alabama.

Since visiting Mobile, partnerships and sponsorships have been formed that are allowing Kids to Love’s presence in south Alabama to grow at a rapid pace.  The foster parenting training class held its orientation the first week in August, office space has been secured in Mobile and Baldwin County and the assembly of “Team South” has begun.  Kids to Love now has social workers strategically placed across the state to serve its children and families in foster care as needs arise.

This is a new feature that highlights the transformative work of LA members connecting throughout the state. Do you have a success story built from a relationship or connection made in Leadership Alabama? We would love to hear about it and share with members in a future newsletter!

Leadership Alabama Class XXXIII

LA Class XXXIII launches on Thursday, October 12, in Montgomery, and it is our pleasure to share the class members with you.  Once again, we received a record number of nominations, and it is thrilling to welcome 76 outstanding individuals to our program.

Click “play” above to see the members and photos of LA Class XXXIII.
Click here to see the full class roster. 

Statewide Welcome Receptions and Luncheons for Class XXXIII

One of LA’s most storied traditions is hosting Welcome Receptions and Luncheons throughout the state to introduce the new LA class members to regional members.    The celebrations always provide an excellent opportunity for networking and visiting with old friends in addition to meeting those who will be experiencing Leadership Alabama for the first time.  Following is the schedule of events, and Constant Contact event invitations will be emailed to you, as well.  We hope to see as many of you as possible at these events, for your attendance and enthusiastic support always mean so much to the class members.

Auburn
Thursday, September 14, 2023, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1856 – Culinary Residence
205 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36830

Birmingham
Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Regions Bank Executive Dining Room, 20th Floor
1900 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hosted by David Turner, Regions Financial Corporation 

Decatur/The Shoals
Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
MeritHouse Realty
113 2nd Avenue Southeast, Decatur, AL 35601
Hosted by Doug Bachuss, Nowlin, Bachuss, & Gray; Crystal Brown, Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce; Kent Lawrence, TVW Electrical Supplies, Inc.; Jeremy Nails, Morgan County Economic Development Association; Kelli Powers, Decatur Morgan Hospital; Jamie Reeves, MeritHouse Realty; and, Wade Weaver, Adams Beverages

Huntsville/NE Alabama
Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Redstone Federal Credit Union Twickenham Rooftop
200 Davis Circle Southwest, Downtown Huntsville
Hosted by Penny Billings, Cadence Bank; Hank Isenberg, Iron Mountain Solutions; Michael Kirkpatrick, DESE Research; and, Joe Newberry, Redstone Federal Credit Union

Mobile/Baldwin County
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Community Foundation of South Alabama
212 St Joseph St, Mobile, AL 36602
Hosted by Rebecca Byrne, Community Foundation of South Alabama; Henry O’Connor, Jones Walker; and, Jay Watkins, Maynard Nexsen 

Montgomery
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Ravello
36 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Hosted by Carl Barker, ServisFirst Bank  

Tuscaloosa/West Alabama
Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Bryce House
315 Bryce Lawn Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Wiregrass  
Friday, September 22, 2023, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Wiregrass United Way
304 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36302
Hosted by Walter Hill, Wiregrass United Way and Harrison Morris, ServisFirst Bank

Statewide Regional Councils, the Backbone of Leadership Alabama 

Leadership Alabama is comprised of regional councils throughout the state, and the members of the councils are key to the organization in so many ways.  In addition to representing Leadership Alabama in their respective communities and hosting regional events & informational sessions (in conjunction with the LA office), they play an integral role in the nomination, review and selection process for each LA class by convening each year to thoughtfully discuss and vote on their regional nominations.  Their input and evaluations are integral to the ongoing success of compiling diverse, energized and interactive classes of premier state leaders who passionately embrace the mission of continually moving our state forward.   Those serving on regional councils are listed on our website (click below to view), and we salute their ongoing commitment to Leadership Alabama.

LA 2023-2024 Regional Councils

Again, we are so excited about the many upcoming opportunities to be together.  The regional receptions are always fun and engaging, and they are the perfect introduction for new class members to each of you and Leadership Alabama.  Watch for the next newsletter this fall with photos from the state events, a recap of the opening retreat and an update and roster about Alabama Leadership Initiative’s Class VI, which launches in November.

Saluting another exciting year!

Ashley Kaplan Executive Director ashley@leadershipal.org

Kate Cotton Operations & Development Director kcotton@leadershipal.org

Melissa Sherer Membership & Communications Associate melissa@leadershipal.org

A Heartfelt Salute — to You!

As Leadership Alabama winds down another program & fiscal year, we are excited to share that it has been a phenomenal year because of YOU, the dedicated members who champion the organization, its programming, its regional events and us.  We are extremely appreciative of your time, commitment and resources, and our LA and ALI programs continue to be stronger and broader due to your active engagement.

With a huge round of applause filled with our gratitude, it is our pleasure to recognize those who supported Leadership Alabama during the past twelve months.  As the very long list illustrates, it takes so many talented and engaged members to facilitate successful programming, and the Leadership Alabama program would not be what it is today without the unshakeable dedication of so many.

Sincerely,
Kate, Ashley, and Melissa

LA Class XXXII

Montgomery Retreat October 2022   Speakers (In order of appearance) Delbert Madison – ServisFirst Bank, LA Board Member, LA Class XXXI Melissa Morrissette – LLB&B Real Estate, LA Board Chair, LA Class XXI Thomas Rains – The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute The Honorable Myron Thompson – Federal Judge  The Honorable Keith Watkins – Federal Judge, LA Class XXI The Honorable Teresa Pulliam – Circuit Judge, LA Class XXX Bennet Wright – AL Sentencing Commission, LA Board Member, LA Class XXIX   Dr. Ed Bridges – AL Department of Archives & History, emeritus, LA Class XIII    Chuck Holmes – AL Humanities Alliance, LA Board Member, LA Class XXX The Honorable Tommy Battle – Mayor of Huntsville, LA Class XXIII The Honorable Frank Brocato – Mayor of Hoover, LA Class XXXII The Honorable Corey Hill – Mayor of Douglas, LA Class XXXII The Honorable Jim McCamy – Mayor of Scottsboro, LA Class XXXII   The Honorable Steven Reed – Mayor of Montgomery, LA Class XXVIII The Honorable Randall Woodfin – Mayor of Birmingham, LA Class XXVI The Honorable Kay Ivey – Governor of Alabama, LA Class XI Sallye Longshore – AL Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention, LA Class XXVI Ryan Hankins – Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, LA Class XXVIII Greg Canfield – AL Department of Commerce Alex Flachsbart -Opportunity Alabama, ALI Class III Venues The Judge Frank M. Johnson Federal Courthouse Complex Alabama State House RSA Plaza Terrace The Legacy Museum

Mobile Retreat January 2023 Speakers (In order of appearance) Stephanie Bryan – Poarch Band of Creek Indians, LA Board Member, LA Class XXVIII Melissa Morrissette – LLB&B Real Estate, LA Board Chair, LA Class XXI The Honorable Sandy Stimpson – Mayor of Mobile, LA Class II Karlos Finley – Africatown Redevelopment Corporation, LA Class XXIII David Clark – Visit Mobile, LA Class XXIII Darron Patterson – Clotilda Descendants Association Daryl Taylor – Airbus Alabama, LA Class XXX Stephanie Prescott – Airbus Alabama, LA Class XXXII Bettsie Norton – Airbus Alabama, ALI Class IV Michelle Hurdle – Flight Works Alabama/Airbus Alabama Rusty Murdaugh – AUSTAL USA, LA Class XXXII Tim Gothard – Alabama Wildlife Federation, LA Class XXVII Wiley Blankenship – Coastal Alabama Partnership, LA Class XXVIII Dr. John Valentine – Dauphin Island Sea Lab, LA Class XXIII Richard Stimpson – Leavell Investment Management, LA Class XXX Bestor Ward – Ward Properties, LA Class XXXI Chris Blankenship – AL Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, LA Class XXXI   Chuck Holmes – AL Humanities Alliance, LA Board Member, LA Class XXX John Driscoll – Alabama State Port Authority Venues Atmore – The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Regions Bank Executive Board Room Airbus Flight Works Alabama Austal USA 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center Gulf Quest Maritime Museum Alabama State Port

Huntsville Retreat March 2023   Speakers (In order of appearance) The Honorable Tommy Battle – Mayor of Huntsville, LA Class XXIII David Nast – United Community Bank, LA Board Member, LA Class XX COL Brian Cozine – Redstone Arsenal Diana King – NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, retired Kristen Pepper – NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Jody Singer – NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, LA Board Member, LA Class XXVIII Lee Marshall – Kids to Love, LA Class XXIX The Honorable Steve Marshall – Alabama Attorney General, LA Class XXVI Rene Cummings – Mazda Toyota The Honorable Paul Finley – Mayor of Madison, LA Class XXIX Chris Hernandez Kinney – BOCAR Jonathan Pettus – Dynetics, LA Class XXXII Phil Clayton – TriRivers Waterway Development Association, LA Class XXXII Dr. Neil Lamb – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, LA Class XXIX Danny Windham – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotech., LA Board Member, LA Class XXIII Kelly East – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Venues Redstone Arsenal/Marshall Space Flight Center Kids to Love Dynetics HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Birmingham Retreat May 2023   Speakers (In order of appearance) The Honorable Randall Woodfin – Mayor of Birmingham, LA Class XXVI Dawn Bulgarella – UAB Health System, LA Class XXXI Dr. Jayme Locke – Professor & Director, Division of Transplantation, UAB David Silverstein – The Five Stone Group, LA Board Member, LA Class XXVI Dr. John Dorsey – Project Horseshoe Farm, LA Class XXI Melissa Morrissette – LLB&B Real Estate, LA Board Chair, LA Class XXI Joe Ayers – Woodlawn United Dr. Robert Record – Christ Health Center/Woodlawn Mashonda Taylor – Woodlawn United, ALI Class I Trey Echols – Highlands Associates, LA Class XXXI T. Marie King – Jones Valley Teaching Farm Dr. Tommy Bice – i3 Academy, LA Class XXIII Dr. Mike Daria – Tuscaloosa City Schools, LA Class XXXI Mark Dixon – A+ Education Partnership Dr. Michael Douglas – Decatur City Schools, LA Class XXXI Dr. Jim Purcell – AL Commission on Higher Education, LA Class XXIX Chuck Holmes – Alabama Humanities Alliance, LA Board Member, LA Class XXX Dave Wood – Wood Fruitticher Grocery Company, LA Class XXX Venues Wallace Tumor Institute, UAB Alabama Holocaust Education Center The Birmingham Dream Center, Woodlawn Jones Valley Teaching Farm

Click here to see the wonderful hosts of Class XXXII Dinearounds and Receptions

Corporate & Foundation Support, Gold Circle Donors, Annual Membership Dues and Contributions

As Melissa Morrisette, LA’s Board Chair, shared in her announcement on May 15, during the past 5½ years, Leadership Alabama has experienced record-breaking growth while implementing operating and financial efficiencies.  This exciting momentum is a result of your overwhelmingly generous support.  We offer a heartfelt salute to all of you for your continued investment, and we pledge to remain faithful and prudent stewards of your gifts.

Click here to see Corporate & Foundation Donors.  

Click here to see Gold Circle Donors.  
(Members who contribute $500 or more)

Click here to see Members who matched their dues. 
(Members who pay $175 dues + an additional contribution of at least $175 up to $324)

Click here to see Members who paid dues and made an additional gift.
(Members who pay $175 dues + an additional gift up to $174)

Click here to see Members who paid their annual dues.

 

THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU

Updates, News, and Highlights from

As Leadership Alabama winds down another program and fiscal year, we are excited to share many wonderful updates about the past several months.  Once again, we are very thankful for your incredible support, commitment and resources, and our LA and ALI programs continue to be stronger and broader due to your active engagement.

Be sure to scroll all the way through to find nomination information for ALI Class VI.     

Organizational Leadership Changes

As Melissa Morrissette, LA Board Chair, announced on Monday, May 15, Kate Cotton is stepping down as executive director on June 30 as her husband John continues his battle with Parkinson’s disease. Ashley Kaplan, who has been with LA for 15 years and is beloved by all our members, will become the new executive director.  As Ashley moves into her new position, Kate will remain part of the team, working part-time in an operational and development role of Ashley along with Melissa Sherer, who is an extremely valued addition to the organization.  What great news for all of us as we raise a congratulatory toast for Ashley!

Board Dinner at the Goodriches

The last board dinner for this fiscal year was recently held at the gorgeous home of Gillian and Mike Goodrich, LA Classes IX and I, in Birmingham, and what an evening it was!  Everyone gathered poolside to enjoy the beautiful vistas while feasting on a delicious meal and celebrating another terrific programming year for both Leadership Alabama and the Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI).  Melissa Morrissette, LA Board Chair, offered comments about the accomplishments and events of the past several years and then raised a toast to Kate Cotton’s tenure as LA’s Executive Director.  Then, the board surprised Kate with a commissioned painting by Vicki Denaburg, a renowned Birmingham artist.

Leadership Alabama Board Changes

As the end of our fiscal year is right around the corner, we sadly bid farewell to eight board members who graciously served LA for the past six years (two, three-year terms). They are –

• Chip Bivins, UA System, Birmingham, LA Class XXII
• Trey Clegg, Brasfield & Gorrie, Birmingham, LA Class XXVII
• Melissa Craig, Civic Leader, Decatur, LA Class XXI
• Helene Hassell, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Mobile, LA Class XXIV
• Grits Morris, Civic Leader, Montgomery, LA Class V
• Sheron Rose, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery, LA Class XXVII
• Kennon Walthall, Avenu Insights & Analytics, Birmingham, LA Class XXV
• Danny Windham, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, LA Class XXIII

As we acknowledge the terrific work of those who just rolled off, we are thrilled to announce the new board members who will be joining the LA board on July 1, 2023. They are –

• Rose Allen, deciBel Research, Huntsville, LA Class XXVIII
• Robbie Baker, Hancock Whitney Bank, Mobile, LA Class XXI
• Cedric Campbell, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Montgomery, LA Class XXX
• Matt Clegg, Wilson Investment Group, Auburn, LA Class XXIX
• Kellie Hope, Business Council of Alabama, Mobile, LA Class XXVII
• Hank Isenberg, Iron Mountain Solutions, Huntsville, LA Class XXX
• Macke Mauldin, Bank Independent, Florence, LA Class XI
• Jeff Stone, Brasfield & Gorrie, Birmingham, LA Class XV
• Jo Bonner, University of South Alabama, Mobile, LA Class XXXII’s elected classmate

LA Board Officers for 2023/2024

Chair – Melissa Morrissette, LLB&B Real Estate, Mobile, LA Class XXI
Vice Chair – Linda Young, Wallace Community College, Dothan, LA Class IX
Treasurer – Michael Patterson, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama, Birmingham, LA Class XXII
Secretary – Kyle Buchanan, Hellen Keller and Red Bay Hospitals, Muscle Shoals, LA Class XXV
Immediate Past Chair – David Nast, United Community Bank, Huntsville, LA Class XX

LA Class XXXII – What a finish to a fabulous class!

LA Class XXXII recently celebrated its graduation at the concluding retreat in Birmingham.  Their retreat started on Wednesday evening, when class member The Honorable Frank Brocato, Mayor of Hoover, hosted a lovely reception at the Hoover Randall Home & Gardens.  Area LA members were invited to join the class, and it was a wonderful engagement with “new and old” members. (Inviting area members to class events whenever possible has become a “norm” for Leadership Alabama retreats throughout the state.)

Pictured above: Pammie Jimmar, Frank Brocato, Jamie Reeves, Michele King, Jeff Samz, and Walter Ernest

Jo Bonner, Chris Roberts, Doug Singleton, Pammie Jimmar, Melissa Sherer, and Michele Kong

Stephanie Yates, Michele King, Jamie Reeves, Jim Hughey, Matt Rohling, Walter Ernest, and Pammie Jimmar

Bill Jones, Erin Stephenson, Walker Jones, and Bill Roark

The retreat “officially” began on Thursday morning at the UAB Wallace Tumor Institute, when The Honorable Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham and LA Class XXVI, welcomed the class to Birmingham and opened the floor for an informative Q&A session.  Afterwards, Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of the UAB Health System and LA Class XXXI, presented “The Role of the UAB Health System,” followed by a cutting-edge presentation from Dr. Jayme Locke about the first in-human xenotransplant trials.

Randall Woodfin welcomes Class XXXII to Birmingham.

Dawn Bulgarella shares the impact of UAB with Class XXXII.

For the first time in LA history, the class visited the Alabama Holocaust Education Center (formerly the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center), where LA Board Member David Silverstein, LA Class XXVI, shared the history of the organization and its mission of eradicating hate and antisemitism through education, while bringing awareness to the heightened threats against the Jewish population.

Pictured above: Rabbi Adam Wright visits with Class XXXII during the visit to the AHEC.

The afternoon was filled with the inspiring voice of Dr. John Dorsey, Founder and Executive Director of Project Horseshoe Farm in Greensboro, LA Class XXI, and his Farm Fellows.  As many remember from the recent anniversary event, John and his team have literally changed the landscape in Greensboro and other surrounding areas in the Black Belt, and his programs actively address the deficiencies in a broad spectrum of issues while providing hope to those they serve.

The class gathered for its graduation dinner at The Club, which overlooks Birmingham’s skyline, and the entertainment was provided by class member and multi-talented Dr. Eric Kirkman, who regaled the class with song while playing a host of instruments.  LA Board Chair Melissa Morrissette offered her congratulations on behalf of the entire board, followed by the distribution of obelisks and class comments.

Pictured above: Eric Kirkman, Pammie Jimmar, Tonja Johnson, and Cheryl Johnson

Pictured below:  Chris Roberts, Scott Harris, Doug Singleton, Cheryl Johnson, Willie Durham, Annette Funderburk, Phil Clayton, Samarria Dunson, and JC Love

On Friday, the class journeyed to the Dream Center in the Woodlawn Community (pictured above), and the morning involved an active conversation with some of the community leaders who are leading positive change in this historic area of Birmingham.  We heard from Joe Ayers, Real Estate Director for Woodlawn United, Dr. Robert Record, CEO of Woodlawn’s Christ Health Center and Mashonda Taylor, Executive Director of Woodlawn United and ALI Class I.  Additionally, while visiting Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF) at Woodlawn High School, Trey Echols, President/CEO of Highland Associates and LA Class XXXI, and T. Marie King, Director of Youth Pathways & Experiences at JVTF, explained how JVTF, through the power of food, creates opportunities for academic exploration, environmental stewardship, personal growth and leadership, and pathways to employment.

Mirroring the Purpose Built Communities model, Woodlawn focuses on a “cradle to college” education model, and we were honored to host a panel of knowledgeable and vibrant professionals from the education sector. Dr. Tommy Bice, Board Chair of i3 Academy and LA Class XXIII, Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools and LA Class XXXI, Mark Dixon, Executive Director of A+ Education Alliance and Dr. Michael Douglas, Superintendent of Decatur City Schools and LA Class XXXI, were part of a robust, candid and eye-opening session about the challenges and current issues that school systems continually face.  Afterwards, Dr. Jim Purcell, Executive Director of Alabama Commission on Higher Education and LA Class XXIX, presented data about the big picture of higher education in Alabama.

On Friday evening, the class gathered at Regions Field for a Barons game and casual dinner. Rain withstanding, we still gathered under the tent and enjoyed each other’s company.  On Saturday morning, LA Board Member Chuck Holmes, Executive Director of the Alabama Humanities Alliance and LA Class XXX, did another terrific job of facilitating a thoughtful and reflective caucus of the program year.  Dave Wood, Chair of Wood Fruitticher Grocery Company and LA Class XXX, was THE perfect ending to a fabulous year.  He shared his personal involvement with Hero Flights, which flies veterans to medical and rehab care throughout the country, and everyone was amazed by his selfless commitment to those who serve our country.

Pictured above: Stephanie Prescott, Jamie Reeves, Laura McDonald, Sheri Cook, Pammie Jimmar, Rebekah Elgin-Council, Annette Funderburk, and Eliska Morgan

Click here to see the graduates of LA Class XXXII.

Looking Ahead to LA Class XXXIII

The class has been selected by the regional councils and was approved by the board during its May meeting.  Invitations to join the class were extended two weeks ago, and responses are still being received.  The participants in the upcoming program year will be announced later this summer ahead of their program launch in October. Welcome receptions will be conducted throughout the state in August and early September, and we will communicate the dates as soon as they are finalized. Additionally, note the following retreat schedule for Class XXXIII because events to which area members are invited are always part of the activities.

Upcoming Class XXXIII Retreat Dates 
(All dates are Thursday through Saturday.)

October 12 – 14, 2023, Montgomery
January 11 – 13, 2024, Mobile
March 7 – 9, 2024, Huntsville
May 9 – 11, 2024, Birmingham

We want to hear from you!

If you have any changes/updates (employment, title, contact info, addresses, email, phone, etc.), please let us know!  Send your information to Melissa Sherer, melissa@leadershipal.org, 205.919.6864 (cell).  Thank you.

Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI) Class V

ALI Class V completed their third session in Mobile in April.  It kicked off on Thursday, April 20, with a warm welcome overlooking the waterway of the Port of Mobile (pictured above) from LA Board Chair Melissa Morrissette, LA Class XXI, and Anitra Belle Henderson, ALI Class I and LA Class XXXII, followed by a graduation lunch where each member recapped highlights from their program year together.  After lunch, the class learned about the history of Clotilda from Karlos Finley, LA Class XXIII, and the impact the Africatown revitalization will bring to the state of Alabama.  The class also participated in a lively round table/small group interview discussion session about the ALI program that resulted in a consensus of ideas to keep their connections and engagements ongoing.  We celebrated this last session with a fun evening in true Mardi Gras style at the Mobile Carnival Museum.

On Friday, April 21, we were joined by Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, LA Class II, as he shared thoughtful ways to achieve economic and community success through leadership and relationships (pictured left).  ALI Class V member Jeremy Gray provided his classmates with an informative and transparent legislative update from the Alabama State House.  The session ended with a trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.  Helene Hassell, LA Class XXIV, planned an exceptionally interesting day to learn more about the state’s ecosystem and the impactful programs and research happening on Alabama’s coast.  The afternoon on Dauphin Island included a welcome by DISL Executive Director John Valentine, LA Class XXIII, tours of the fisheries and shellfish labs, a water vessel trip in Mobile Bay and a beach dune walk.  Many class members remarked it was their first visit to Dauphin Island and enjoyed learning more about this significant asset to our state.

Pictured above on the Alabama Discovery at Dauphin Island Sea Lab: Lucy Gafford, Bishop Alexander, Danielle Gibson, Jacob Ladner, Miriam Fry, Richmond Gunter, Katie Voss, Jason Perry, Adam Fox, Silvia Espinosa-Laxson, Austin Gaines, Susan Carothers, Emmanuel Bankston, Vimal Patel, Suntrese Williams-Maynard, and Jennifer Amos

Janelle Finley Adams, Katricia Flowers, and Stevi Price

Richmond Gunter, Kevin Ferguson, Dayne Cuttrell, and Andrew Pinyan

So many lasting connections and strong relationships were made within ALI Class V.  In addition to meaningful presentations throughout the program year, it is always a success to see the valuable network of like-minded professionals continue to grow throughout the state.

Click here to see the graduates of ALI Class V

ALI Reunion Event in Birmingham

With the completion of Class V, we were pleased to welcome 50 new graduates into the Alabama Leadership Initiative family.  Since the expansion of ALI in 2017, we have brought together five classes, except for 2020 – 2021.  The classes, comprised of 50 exceptional young professionals from across the state of Alabama, have created lifelong friendships and professional partnerships.

Members from ALI Class III pictured right: Ann Todd, Devon Frazier, Holly McCorkle, Adrienne Starks, Biko Freeman, Laurel Teel, Rashmee Sharif, Jill Andrews, Tony Bonds, Prince Cleveland, Melissa Sherer, Kendra Key, and Landon Nichols

In May, we hosted members from all five classes for the first ALI Reunion at the Jones Valley Center for Food Education in Birmingham.  We had a wonderful evening reconnecting and catching up with so many ALI members from across the state, and we look forward to planning more reunions and ALI events in the future.

Pictured left: Ashley Morrow and Carey Holland

 

 

Members from ALI Class I: Precious Freeman, Bakari Miller, Mashonda Taylor, Ashley Kaplan, Jon Hegeman, Mary Elizabeth Roberson, Chris Busby, Amanda Storey, Josh Vasa, Tom Walker, and Cooper Holmes

Ruth Ann Moss, Hallie Bradley, Mary Elizabeth Roberson, Ann Todd, and Rachel Hamm

Looking Ahead – ALI Class VI
Nominations are now open! 

The Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI) program offers young professionals the opportunity to develop personal leadership skills and to establish ongoing relationships with other young leaders across the state. The six-month program is comprised of three two-day retreats that exposes participants to the decision makers in Alabama who are sensitive to the challenges we face as a state and provides the unique opportunity to step inside the circles of those who mold the future of our state.

The Alabama Leadership Initiative is statewide and focuses on three areas.

• Education
  Class members connect with statewide experts in order to increase their knowledge of the issues impacting Alabama.
• Connections
  The Initiative provides a unique opportunity to bond with like-minded leaders from throughout the state.
• Personal Development
  The programming includes leadership training in various areas, including public speaking, effective board involvement and political involvement.

Qualifications
Qualified applicants, ages 25-40, need to have shown leadership and commitment in a professional capacity and within their own communities. Each class is limited to 50 – 55 participants, and selection to participate in the program is dependent on the submitted applications. Click here to read more.

Tuition
Tuition for the program is $1,750, and there is scholarship assistance for those with financial need. An application for assistance is provided as part of the overall application process.

ALI Class VI 2023 – 2024 Program Year

Thursday, November 2 – Friday, November 3, 2023 – Montgomery
Thursday, February 8 – Friday, February 9, 2024 – Dothan
Wednesday, April 24 – Thursday, April 25, 2024 – Birmingham

ALI Class VI Nomination Form

Click the link above to access the nomination form and process.

ALI Class VI nominations are due by Friday, June 23, 2023.

Important Announcement from
Melissa Morrissette, Leadership Alabama’s Board Chair

As some of you may know, Kate Cotton’s husband John has been battling Parkinson’s disease for the past four years. As such, Kate has decided to step down as Leadership Alabama’s Executive Director as of June 30, the end of our fiscal year.  I know you join me in thanking her for everything that has been accomplished during the past 5½ years.  Her infectious spirit, commitment to professionalism, attention to detail and passion for Leadership Alabama’s mission have fostered record-breaking growth, operating and financial efficiencies, enhanced retreat programming and expanded membership engagement opportunities.

 

Kate joined Leadership Alabama in January 2018 after a long and successful career at Protective Life Corporation in Birmingham. She was a member of LA Class XVII and was serving as a LA Board Member when chosen to be the Executive Director. During her tenure, Leadership Alabama has reached some incredible milestones. With a staff of only two until the recent addition of Melissa Sherer in October of 2022, the dynamic duo of Kate Cotton and Ashley Kaplan has:

 

• Achieved the best financial strength in the organization’s history.
• Realized increased results year over year in corporate fundraising and overall support.
• Established tiered recognition levels for corporate gifts and acknowledgement on LA’s website and printed material.
• Created the Gold Circle Donor recognition (dues and contribution of at least $500), increasing from 52 member donors in 2018 to 195 this year.
• Greatly decreased operating expenses, established an efficient payroll & benefits system, expanded employee benefits, implemented a 401(k)-retirement plan, and updated and streamlined LA’s accounting/monthly reporting system.
• Secured donated office space in Birmingham and eliminated office rent and operational overhead.
• Created LACRE (Leadership Alabama’s Commission on Race & Equity) to facilitate candid and challenging conversations focused on historical issues still challenging Alabama.
• Facilitated a new, more robust, secure online membership dues payment system through SWELL.
• Hired a new auditor with reduced fees.
• Continually increased a record number of nominations for each LA class, growing the class size and number of participants in each LA class.
• Met with LA members to reassess all retreat programming and introduced new venues and topics relevant to today’s Alabama.
• Incorporated “success stories” of initiatives that could be replicated or expanded throughout the state and incorporated many current and past class members to speak and facilitate sessions.
• Managed and implemented the expanded ALI (Alabama Leadership Initiative) program to have more sessions, leading to increased annual nominations and remarkable growth.
• Created more opportunities for membership engagement events by incorporating membership dinners with each LA class in each retreat city.
• Invited LA graduates to join LA classes at optional “fieldtrips” scheduled on days leading up to the retreats.
• Spearheaded, redesigned and updated LA’s corporate website in partnership with BIG Communications.
• After being scheduled and cancelled two times due to COVID, planned, facilitated, and implemented a very successful and well attended “30th and Holding” Anniversary Celebration at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear.  The reunion featured four outstanding speakers, two of whom were LA members and revered leaders in their fields – Dr. John Dorsey, Founder and Executive Director, Project Horseshoe Farm in Greensboro, LA Class XXI and Ms. Jody Singer, Director, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, LA Class XXVIII.

As Kate relinquishes the reins as Executive Director, the Leadership Alabama Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Ashley Kaplan will assume the role of Executive Director as of July 1, 2023.

Ashley, who is known by all of you for her remarkable knowledge of our organization, is well positioned and ready to lead Leadership Alabama in this new role.  She has been with Leadership Alabama for 15+ years and has been instrumental in every aspect of our organization as she has practically grown-up in LA.

Since January 2018 when Ashley became the Membership Director, she advanced to become the Membership and ALI Director, the Director of Programs and Membership Engagement, ultimately achieving her current role as Director of Operations and Engagement.  She has led the growth, expansion, and success of Leadership Alabama’s ALI (Alabama Leadership Initiative) program.

Ashley has always been an extremely valuable, positive, and knowledgeable resource concerning all aspects of Leadership Alabama.  No one knows our members or the intricacies of planning retreats better than Ashley. She is committed to fostering continued growth, increased membership engagements, as well as orchestrating compelling and relevant retreat programming for future LA and ALI classes.  Ashley’s gracious demeanor personifies Leadership Alabama in every way, and we are certain that Ashley is the perfect person to lead our organization.

As Ashley moves into her new position as our Executive Director, Kate will remain part of the team, working part-time in an operational and development role in support of Ashley along with Melissa Sherer, who is also an extremely valued addition to the organization.  So, what great news!  The unbelievable momentum and forward-thinking vision of Leadership Alabama will continue to get stronger with Ashley at the helm along with Kate and Melissa supporting her as Ashley leads the team working in concert to serve LA’s mission and goals of bringing established leaders across our great state together to seek mutual understanding of problems and priorities for Alabama now and in the future.

Please join me in offering our most heartfelt congratulations to Ashley Kaplan on her new position as the Executive Director of Leadership Alabama.

Best Regards,
Melissa

 

10 more days to NOMINATE for Leadership Alabama Class XXXIII!

Nomination Criteria and Qualifications

Thinking about a candidate for Leadership Alabama? Click the link above to review the nomination criteria and qualifications.

 

Click for LA Class XXXIII Nomination Form

 

Click to pay membership dues!

There’s still time to renew your membership dues for the 2022-2023 year!
Thanks to our 565 members who have paid their annual dues and to the many who made a contribution with their membership dues!

UPDATE: Nominations submitted as of Wednesday, February 15, 2023 –

• Baldwin County – 2
• Birmingham – 16
• Decatur – 3
• East Alabama – 3
• Huntsville – 11
• Mobile – 9
• Montgomery – 13
• Shoals – 3
• West Alabama – 5
• Wiregrass – 5

Note the following:

• You may nominate more than one person.
• You may nominate anyone in the state, not just someone from your geographic area or region.
• For candidates not selected for Class XXXIII, Leadership Alabama notifies you, the LA member, NOT the nominee. People are often nominated without their knowledge, thus the reason we only communicate with the nominator.
• Nominations close on Friday, February 24.

Program Dates – Class XXXIII – 2023-2024

• October 12 – 14, 2023
• January 11 – 13, 2024
• March 7 – 9, 2024
• May 9 – 11, 2024

Click here for more information about the Leadership Alabama class program year.

Leadership Alabama is open to all who meet the qualifications adopted by the Board of Directors, regardless of age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Participants are selected largely on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability.

The Nomination Process:

1. A nomination form must be received by Friday, February 24, 2023 for a person to be considered for LA Class XXXIII.
2. Nominations will be considered by the Regional Councils throughout the state, who prioritize the nominations of those in their geographic areas.
3. The Executive Committee will review the prioritized lists from the Regional Councils and then submit the list of nominees to the Board of Directors for approval.
4. All nominations are given thorough consideration, but not all will be selected to participate in the class. The Leadership Alabama Board of Directors will approve the final class roster. Consideration will be given to building a class that represents Alabama’s diversity, both professionally and geographically, as well as in the areas of age, gender and ethnicity.
5. Leadership Alabama will email those selected for membership and copy the nominator.

Don’t forget to “drop your nomination” for Class XXXIII!

Click here for nominations criteria and qualifications.

 

Click here for the Class XXXIII Nomination Form.

 

Nominations submitted as of Monday, January 30, 2023 –

• Baldwin County – 1
• Birmingham – 8
• Decatur – 1
• Huntsville – 2
• Mobile – 1
• Montgomery – 4
• Shoals – 1
• West Alabama – 1
• Wiregrass – 1

Note the following:

• You may nominate more than one person.
• You may nominate anyone in the state, not just someone from your geographic area or region.
• For candidates not selected for Class XXXIII, Leadership Alabama notifies you, the LA member, NOT the nominee. People are often nominated without their knowledge, thus the reason we only communicate with the nominator.
• Nominations close on Friday, February 24.

Class XXXIII Retreat Dates (2023 – 2024)
All retreats begin Thursday and conclude on Saturday at noon.

• October 12 – 14, 2023
• January 11 – 13, 2024
• March 7 – 9, 2024
• May 9 – 11, 2024

Click here for more information about the Leadership Alabama class program year.

Leadership Alabama is open to all who meet the qualifications adopted by the Board of Directors, regardless of age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Participants are selected largely on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability.

The Nomination Process:

1. A nomination form must be received by Friday, February 24, 2023 for a person to be considered for LA Class XXXIII.
2. Nominations will be considered by the Regional Councils throughout the state, who prioritize the nominations of those in their geographic areas.
3. The Executive Committee will review the prioritized lists from the Regional Councils and then submit the list of nominees to the Board of Directors for approval.
4. All nominations are given thorough consideration, but not all will be selected to participate in the class. The Leadership Alabama Board of Directors will approve the final class roster. Consideration will be given to building a class that represents Alabama’s diversity, both professionally and geographically, as well as in the areas of age, gender and ethnicity.
5. Leadership Alabama will email those selected for membership and copy the nominator.

 

Don’t forget to renew your LA Membership!

THANK YOU to our 543 members who have paid their annual dues this year and to the many who made a contribution with their membership dues!

Leadership Alabama’s fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30, so you still have time to renew this year!

Click to pay your dues online.

NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS XXXIII

ARE NOW OPEN!

2023 – 2024 PROGRAM YEAR

Click here for criteria and qualifications as you consider a nominee for Leadership Alabama.

Please note

• You may nominate more than one person.
• You may nominate anyone in the state, not just someone from your geographic area.
• For candidates NOT selected for Class XXXIII, Leadership Alabama notifies you, the LA member, not the nominee. People are often nominated without their knowledge, thus the reason we only communicate with the nominator(s).
  
• Nominations close on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Click here for Class XXXIII’s nomination form.

Program Dates – Class XXXIII

• Thursday, October 12, through Saturday, October 14, 2023
• Thursday, January 11, through Saturday, January 13, 2024
• Thursday, March 7, through Saturday, March 9, 2024
• Thursday, May 9, through Saturday, May 11, 2024

Click here for more information about the Leadership Alabama program year.

Leadership Alabama is open to all who meet the qualifications adopted by the Board of Directors, regardless of age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Participants are selected largely on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability.

The Nomination Process

1. A nomination form must be received by Friday, February 24, 2023 for a person to be considered for LA Class XXXIII.
2. Nominations will be considered by the Regional Councils throughout the state, and each council will prioritize the nominations for its specific region.
3. The Executive Committee will review the prioritized lists from the Regional Councils and then submit the list of nominees to the Board of Directors for approval.
4. All nominations are given thorough consideration, but not all will be selected to participate in the class. The Leadership Alabama Board of Directors will approve the final class roster. Consideration will be given to building a class that represents Alabama’s diversity, both professionally and geographically, as well as in the areas of age, gender and ethnicity.
5. Leadership Alabama will email those selected for membership and copy the nominator(s).

 

A few highlights from LA Class XXXII’s Mobile retreat last week…

Poarch Creek Field Trip with LA Class XXXII and statewide members. Special thanks to Stephanie Bryan (LA Class XXVIII), Robbie McGhee (LA Class XXX), Lori Stinson (LA Class XXXI), and Miriam Fry (ALI Class V) for welcoming us!

LA Class XXXII member and AUSTAL CEO Rusty Murdaugh briefs his class and gives a full tour showcasing the ships built in Alabama. Rebekah Elgin-Council, Sheri Cook, and Laura McDonald LA Class XXXII members Jim Hughey III and Danny McKinney enjoying the flight simulator at Airbus’ FlightWorks Alabama in Mobile. LA Class XXXII members seeing the economic impact for our state in the Port of Mobile. Pictured above: Frank Brocato, Pammie Jimmar, Art Brunson, Walter Ernest, and Terry Smiley. Pictured below: Jed Downs, Jim McCamy, Ken Brown, and Chip Cherry