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📆 10 more days to NOMINATE!

February 15, 2023

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... LA Class XXXIII Nominations are Open 🗳

January 30, 2023

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.

🔊 LA Class XXXIII Nominations are Open ‼️

January 17, 2023

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

✨Holiday Cheers from Leadership Alabama

December 14, 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, just a few things to note — 

Join Leadership Alabama for a special field trip to Atmore for the opportunity of visiting the Poarch Band of Creek Indians community!

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Poarch Creek Reservation, Atmore

More details will follow in the next few weeks.  Until then, please plan to join us and Class XXXII members for another incredible experience to see and learn about what’s happening in Atmore with the tribe.  For planning purposes, please RSVP by Friday, January 6, 2023.

Click here to email your RSVP or learn more details.
Nominations for Class XXXIII
(Program Year – October 2023 through May 2024)

It is hard to believe that the nomination process for Class XXXIII will soon begin.  Nominations will open on Monday, January 16, 2023, and we will send an email with all the information and online application at that time.  The nomination process will close on Friday, February 24.

Additional reminder emails will be sent before January 16.  We simply wanted you to be aware of the date so that you have plenty of time to gather your thoughts about qualified candidates who you would like to submit. 

2022 – 2023 Leadership Alabama
Membership Dues & Contributions

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

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 2022 – June 2023.  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 to mail.

 


Click to play!

We look forward to being with you in 2023!

👥 Investing in Alabama’s Future / Dues & Program Updates

November 9, 2022

-Investing in Alabama’s Future-
Dues & Program Updates

 

Last week, Alabama Leadership Initiative’s (ALI) Class V launched in Montgomery, and we welcomed 53 energetic, bright and accomplished “young” leaders (aged 25 – 40) to the program. The two days together were filled with fabulous speakers and moving, emotional site visits.  Click here to see news release! You can also see the new, current ALI class on our website here.

Leadership Alabama salutes the following people for graciously sharing their time with the class – Grits Morris, LA Board liaison to ALI; Steve Murray, Dr. Ed Bridges, the Honorable Steven Reed, and, Bill Graham – and we thank the historic venues that opened their doors to us for programing – The Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Annex, the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Your dues and gifts enable us to continually offer quality and impactful programming, and we are grateful for the 247 members who, only since mid-October, have generously paid their annual dues of $175, with many including an additional gift, as well.  To date, 104 of those have become Gold Circle donors by contributing $500 or more!  (Click the gold circle link to see.)

Once again, we respectfully ask you to submit your annual dues of only $175 for this fiscal year, July 2022 – June 2023.  You can make an immediate and secure payment online simply 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.

Later this month, we will begin mailing dues invoices to those who have not yet paid dues, so it would be greatly appreciated if you could do so before that time.

What do your annual dues and generous gifts support?

-The quality programming and involvement of Alabama’s accomplished leaders in Leadership Alabama and ALI, as evidenced by the classes’ evaluation comments —
“Most significant thing? The power of engaging with strangers for a common good.”  
“Most significant thing?  Bill Graham’s ENTIRE presentation.
“Excellent session!”    
“This is one of the best classes/leadership programs (LA) I have ever participated in!”

-The expansion of membership activities and forums. 

-The continued focus on “connecting” Alabama’s passionate and committed thought leaders. 

And, no one connects our membership more enthusiastically than Ashley KaplanLeadership Alabama’s Director of Operations & Engagement, who was recently featured in “This is Alabama.”  Click here  to read her fabulous comments about our beloved organization.

With our continued appreciation and gratitude,

Kate, Ashley and Melissa

Click to pay online!
Click to print an invoice!

 

🤝 Membership Dues + Contributions

October 28, 2022

2022 – 2023 Membership Dues and Contributions

We are thrilled to share that in response to our first dues email sent on Tuesday, October 11, 114 of you have already paid your 2022 – 2023 membership dues, with many making an additional contribution.  And, 49 of those became Gold Circle donors by contributing $500 or more!  We are extremely grateful for all of you.

Your annual support is THE lifeline of Leadership Alabama, and it will never be taken for granted.   

For those who haven’t had a chance to remit the $175 annual dues for the current fiscal year, we hope this message will make it easy for you to do so.  You can make an immediate and secure payment online simply by utilizing the pay online button below.  Or, if you prefer a printed invoice for mailing a check, please click the invoice button below, print the invoice and mail it with your check to Leadership Alabama, P.O. Box 131394, Birmingham, AL  35213.

In mid-November, we plan to conduct a mailing via the US Post Office to all members who have not yet paid dues, so if you have a chance to do so before then, it would certainly minimize our mailing efforts.

With heartfelt thanks,
Kate, Ashley & Melissa

Click here to pay online.

Click here to print an invoice.

🗣 Support Leadership Alabama

October 17, 2022

Hello LA Member!

Leadership Alabama just launched Class XXXII in Montgomery, and we were honored to have so many incredible speakers present to the class.  The class convened at the Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Federal Courthouse Complex, where they heard from Thomas Rains, the Honorable Myron Thompson, the Honorable Keith Watkins, the Honorable Teresa Pulliam, Bennet Wright and Dr. Ed Bridges.  The following day, we started at the Alabama State House, where Chuck Holmes facilitated a robust discussion with a mayors’ panel involving some of our state’s incredible city leaders who are all members of Leadership Alabama – Mayors Tommy Battle of Huntsville, Frank Brocato of Hoover, Corey Hill of the Town of Douglas, Jim McCamy of Scottsboro, Steven Reed of Montgomery and Randall Woodfin of Birmingham.  During lunch at the RSA PlazaGovernor Ivey welcomed the class to Montgomery, followed by informative sessions from Sallye Longshore, Ryan Hankins, Greg Canfield and Alex Flachsbart.  The day concluded with the ever-popular dinearounds in the homes of Montgomery members, and Saturday included a tour of The Legacy Museum and a very thought-provoking, candid caucus session.

As the work with Leadership Alabama and Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI) classes continues, we started this fiscal year (July 1) with a streamlined budget and sound financial position.  We continue to be prudent stewards of your support and are ever grateful for your ongoing investment in Leadership Alabama.  Additionally, we recently welcomed Melissa Sherer to our team.  As a graduate of ALI Class III, she has already hit the ground running!

None of this work would be possible without your steadfast, ongoing support through your annual dues and contribution.  Without question, membership dues & your additional gifts are the lifeline of our organization, and we humbly ask you to submit your $175 dues for this fiscal year of July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.  

Since establishing the category of donors who contribute $500 or more through their dues & contributions – Gold Circle Donors – the membership in this category has exploded.  Last year, 163 of you gave at this level, compared to 144, 79 and 52 in the three years proceeding – thank you! 2021-2022 Gold Circle Donors

You can make an immediate and secure payment online simply 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.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Click to pay your dues online.
Click to print a LA dues invoice.

 

Kate Cotton
Executive Director
Ashley Kaplan
Director of Operations and Engagement
Melissa Sherer
Membership, Communications, and Operations Associate

🎉 What a GRAND "30th and holding" Celebration 🍾

August 10, 2022

“Celebrate good times, come on!”

After scheduling, rescheduling and rescheduling yet again, we were finally able to gather at The Grand Hotel on July 27 – 29 for Leadership Alabama’s “30th and holding…” anniversary celebration, and what a celebration it was! 

♫  380+ members and guests

♫  26 generous corporate and personal sponsorships

♫  Members from all classes — Class I through Class XXXI – and Classes XXX and XXXI with the most attendees

♫  Four incredible speakers — Dr. Jim H. Johnson, Jr., Ms. Jody Singer (Class XXVIII), Mr. Alex Sheen and Dr. John Dorsey (Class XXI)

♫  An informative update from Brunson White about the Alabama Citizens for Constitution Reform’s efforts

♫  A fabulous Low Country Boil welcome party on the Grand Patio Beachside

♫  A beautiful cocktail reception and dinner in the Grand Ballroom

♫  An unbelievable, over-the-top band, “Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters”

♫  Non-stop dancing by a very energetic and laughing “bevy of dancers”

♫  Delicious food, great spirits, terrific fun

♫  Fabulous frozen drinks by the pool

♫  The many amenities of the ever-accommodating Grand Hotel

“It was a great conference for everyone.  It was informative, and the speakers were super.”  Rita Franklin, Birmingham, Class VII

“A word of thanks for a wonderful celebration last week.  Everything appeared to go exceptionally well, and if it didn’t, you hid it well.  Thanks for including spouses.  Mine for one not only enjoyed it but it helped her understand why “Leadership.”   Bill Sullins, Huntsville, Class XXII

“What a triumph!  The Leadership Alabama 30th Anniversary celebration was a blast.  Every component of the event was enlightening, engaging and just plain fun.” Carol Hunter, Mobile, Class XXVIII

“This was fabulous.  Everything was perfect!”  Sonny Craig, Decatur, Class XVI

“Part of the enduring genius of Leadership Alabama’s design over 30 classes ago is its total commitment to non-partisan, non-political education and networking of the highest caliber. This conference was no exception and was one of the finest – it not the finest – conference that I have ever been privileged to attend. It is truly an honor to be part of this legacy of excellence.”  Lynn Beshear, Montgomery, Class III

“Thank you for putting together a wonderful “30th” Leadership Alabama celebration.  Jan and I enjoyed everything about the event:  seeing people, the food, the hotel, etc. Jim Johnson was at his best ever.” Jim Hughey, Birmingham, Class V

“What a wonderful Leadership Alabama reunion.  It was a spectacular event.”  John Anzalone, Montgomery, Class XXI

“I loved it!  Thanks for making this event so special.”  Beth Marietta Lyons, Dauphin Island, Class XVII

“Just a wonderful event!  A great, great job, and I am so honored to be a part of it.”  Michael Chambers, Mobile, Class XXIV

“The 30th Anniversary (and holding) celebration was truly a fine, first-class event and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.”  Richard Stabler, Fairhope, Class XXII

“KUDOS for the tremendous success of the 30th (and holding) Anniversary!  I don’t think it could be improved upon.”  Linda Young, Dothan, Class IX

“The 30th celebration was fantastic!  The venue, the speakers and the social time were all perfect!”  DeLynn Zell, Birmingham, Class XXX

“The speakers you chose – even the pinch hitter – were just GREAT.  Plus, the FUN band Thursday night was a real bonus!”  Nancy Robertson, Huntsville, Class XXVII

“Great reunion at Point Clear!”  Phil Webb, Anniston, Class XXXI

“What a success!  Everything was wonderfully great.”  Debbie Long, Birmingham, Class XVIII

A GRAND thank you to everyone who joined us and
celebrated Leadership Alabama’s “30th and holding” Anniversary!!

Till next time… (mark your calendars for 2025!),
Kate and Ashley

☀️The latest news ... Class XXX, Class XXXI, ALI and the 30th!!

June 22, 2022

Greetings from Leadership Alabama!

The past several months have been incredibly busy conducting LA retreats and ALI sessions, finalizing the participants in Class XXXII, and planning for the anniversary celebration next month!  And, it is our pleasure to share an update about it all.

New Officers/Board Members

As of July 1, the start of our fiscal year, a new slate of officers will assume duties, new board members will join the board and we will offer a salute to those who are rolling off the board after graciously serving the organization for six years.

Officers 

  • Melissa Morrissette, Chair, Mobile – Class XXI
  • David Nast, Immediate Past Chair, Huntsville – Class XX
  • Linda Young, Vice Chair, Dothan – Class IX
  • Michael Patterson, Treasurer, Birmingham – Class XXII
  • Kyle Buchanan, Secretary, Muscle Shoals – Class XXV

New Board Members

  • Penny Billings, Huntsville – Class XXV
  • Stephanie Bryan, Atmore – Class XXVIII
  • Chuck Holmes, Birmingham – Class XXX
  • Horace Horn, Montgomery – Class XXV
  • Delbert Madison, Montgomery – Class XXXI
  • Henry O’Connor, Mobile – Class XXIII
  • Kevin Savoy, Abbeville – Class XXIX
  • Jody Singer,* Huntsville – Class XXVIII
  • David Turner, Birmingham – Class XXX

    *Non-voting, NASA Liaison

They will be joining current board members Doug Bachuss (Decatur), Chip Bivens (Birmingham), Trey Clegg (Birmingham), Melissa Craig (Decatur), John England (Tuscaloosa), Tyrone Fenderson (Mobile), Helene Hassell (Mobile), Sandy Killion (Birmingham), Dave King (Huntsville), Michael Kirkpatrick (Huntsville), Vanessa Leonard (Rockford), Gordon Martin (Birmingham), Grits Morris (Montgomery), David Muhlendorf (Florence), Deborah Bell Paseur (Florence), Eva Robertson (Birmingham), Sheron Rose (Montgomery), Spud Seale (Montgomery), David Silverstein (Birmingham), Robert Simon (Birmingham), Richard Stabler (Fairhope), Todd Strange (Montgomery), Kennon Walthall (Birmingham), Jay Watkins (Mobile), Danny Windham (Huntsville) and Bennet Wright (Montgomery).

Those rolling off after serving two three-year terms are Robbie Baker (Mobile), Ed Crowell (Montgomery) and Sanjay Singh (Birmingham).  Additionally, current board members who are all former chairs electing the “emeritus” status are Bill Coleman (Montgomery), Seth Hammett (Montgomery), Jim Hughey (Birmingham) and Caroline Novak (Montgomery).

Upcoming “30th and holding…” Anniversary Celebration

July 27 – 29, 2022
The Grand Hotel
Point Clear, Alabama

As of today, 380 members and guests have registered to attend next month’s celebration!  If you haven’t registered and reserved a hotel room, it’s not too late!  Click on the link below for more information, a list of those attending, sponsors, etc.

www.leadershipalabama30years.com

Fabulous Field Trip to Atmore

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians March 9, 2022

What an afternoon!  Many LA members and current Class XXXI members were treated to another fabulous visit in Atmore.  Keith Martin, Tribal Council Member and Class XXXI, offered greetings on behalf of the entire community, and afterwards we were treated to a playful exhibition by children, a tour of the Poarch Creek Community Center housing several distinct services and initiatives, and a visit to Muskogee Technology.  Stephanie Bryan, Chair & CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Class XXVIII and new LA board member, made a surprise visit after a very long day in Montgomery to offer additional comments about the community and to conduct Q&A.

Class XXX Graduated at last!

Birmingham Retreat March 16 & 17, 2022

After an unbelievable delay due to ongoing COVID constraints/concerns, Class XXX, which launched in October 2019, finally convened this past March in Birmingham for a graduation celebration dinner, hosted by David Turner and Regions, and one-day session at Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF) with incredible speakers and topics.  Those who participated in the programming day were Michael Patterson (Class XXII and LA board member), Amanda Storey (ALI Class I), Trey Echols (Class XXXI), Scott Adams (Class XXIII), Nick Sellers, The Honorable Teresa Pulliam (Class XXX), Bennet Wright (Class XXIX and LA board member), Chip Bivens (Class XXII and LA board member), Dr. Ray Watts, Tony Cochran (Class XXX) and Dave Wood (Class XXX).

We thank everyone, class members and speakers alike, for their patience and willingness to adapt to the ever-changing plans.

Class XXXI

Due to ongoing COVID issues, the Mobile retreat scheduled for January was postponed until March, so this class met in Mobile in March, Huntsville in May and Birmingham in June – whew!  The mayor of each city, all LA alum, greeted the class and offered an informative and interesting overview of the city and region.  In addition to many of the issues which are consistently incorporated into the retreats, many new issues/venues were included, as well, and it is our privilege to acknowledge those who selflessly shared their time and expertise with the class, as follows –

Mobile Retreat March 10 – March 12, 2022

Presenters
Melissa Morrissette (Class XXI & LA board chair-elect), The Honorable Sandy Stimpson (Class II), The Honorable Merceria Ludgood (Class II), David Clark (Class XXIII), Darron Patterson, Joe Womack, Terrance Smith (ALI Class I), Allison Muhlendorf (ALI alum), Dr. Mike Daria (Class XXXI), Dr. Michael Douglas (Class XXXI), Dr. Jeremiah NewellMark Dixon, Daryl Taylor (Class XXX), Michelle Hurdle, Helene Hassell (Class XXIV and LA board member), Dr. John Valentine (Class XXIII), Chris Blankenship (Class XXXI), Roberta Swann (Class XXIX), Dr. Sean Powers and Rick Clark.

Venues
We were fortunate to convene on the 29th floor at Regions Bank for a panoramic view of the port and city and to enjoy an afternoon of excellent sessions.  Additionally, Airbus rolled out the red carpet, once again, and offered the class a behind-the-curtain program and tour of the facility.  This was followed by a visit to Flight Works Alabama, an incredible workforce development program that is a partnership between Airbus and Alabama’s STEM Workforce Development.   Afterwards, we spent the afternoon at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which is always a treat, and the retreat concluded with an information session and fabulous tour of the Port of Mobile on Saturday morning.

A huge round of applause to the Dinearound hosts!
Rebecca & Bradley Byrne, Ralph Hargrove, Jeb Shell, Carol Hunter, Terri & Patrick Murphy, Ashley & Henry O’Connor, Elizabeth Stevens, Leah & Richard Stimpson and Heather & George Talbot.

Huntsville Retreat May 12 – May 14, 2022

Presenters
David Nast (Class XX and LA board chair), The Honorable Tommy Battle (Class XXIII), Diana King, Steve Miley (Class XXXI), many professionals on Redstone Arsenal, Lee Marshall (Class XXIX), The Honorable Steve Marshall (Class XXVI), The Honorable Paul Finley (Class XXIX), Scott Russo, LaDerrick Thomas, Dr. Jim Purcell (Class XXIX), Steve Cook (Class XXX), Ronnie Chronister (Class XXXI), Matt Massey, Rich McAdams (Class XXV), Nichole O’Brien, Craig Stallings, Dr. Neil Lamb (Class XXIX) and Danny Windham (Class XXIII and LA board member).

Venues
What would we do without Diana King and her incredible leadership in organizing and facilitating an eye-opening, unique and extremely informative afternoon at Redstone Arsenal and the Marshall Space Flight Center?  Once again, this was at the top of everyone’s list as being an outstanding experience.  The next morning was spent at Kids to Love, an unbelievable organization touching so many lives, and then we moved to Dynetics, where we were enthusiastically greeted for our afternoon session involving many speakers.  And, it wouldn’t be a true Huntsville retreat if it didn’t end at HudsonAlpha, where the class spent another memorizing, entertaining and high energy morning.

A huge round of applause to the Dinearound hosts!
Cynthia & Rey Almodovar, Penny Billings, Hank Isenberg, Randy Jones, Diana & Dave King, Lee & David Nast and  Leslie & Danny Windham.

Birmingham Retreat June 2 – 4, 2022

Presenters
The Honorable Randall Woodfin (Class XXVI), Mashonda Taylor (ALI Class I), Dr. Robert RecordDr. Tommy Bice (Class XX), Mary Helmer Wirth (Class XXIX), Mike PutmanRev. Arthur Price (Class XXIX), The Honorable Anthony Daniels (Class XXIX), The Honorable Arthur Orr (Class XX), J.W. Carpenter (Class XXIV), Zhaundra Jones, Gordon Martin (Class XVII & immediate past LA board chair), Dawn Bulgarella (Class XXXI), Dr. Selwyn Vickers, Dr. Matt Might, Brooke (Class XXXI) & Daniel Coleman (Class XXX), Eva Robertson (Class XXIX & LA board member), Scott Adams (Class XXIII), Nick Sellers, Amanda Storey (ALI Class I), Trey Echols (Class XXXI) and Dave Wood (Class XXX).

Venues
We were fortunate to start the Birmingham retreat at Social Venture in Woodlawn, for it is the perfect venue for hearing the great news about Woodlawn and the community’s commitment to affordable housing, quality educational opportunities and wellness, in addition to other topics related to revitalizing Alabama’s downtowns and commercial districts.  The afternoon was spent in the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, for which we are always grateful to be able to showcase with the class.  The class celebrated its graduation dinner at The Club, with lively entertainment provided by the Red Mountain Theatre performers.

On Friday morning, the class was mesmerized by everything UAB – the speakers, the tour, the information, the research, the impact, etc., and it was such an honor to be able to gather there. The honor continued when Brooke and Daniel Coleman graciously hosted the class at their historic Birmingham home, The Swann House, accompanied by an historical account from Daniel.  The class then boarded the buses and headed to Jones Valley Teaching Farm for the afternoon session and tour.  Saturday morning was the final session for Class XXXI, and they gathered for a buffet breakfast before hearing about Dave Wood’s remarkable experiences of flying our disabled veterans to medical care.

A huge round of applause to the Dinearound hosts!
Brooke & Bob Battle, Dawn & Joe Bulgarella, Collins & Trey Clegg, Chappell & Charles Miller, Barvette & Michael Patterson and Eva & Jim Robertson.

ALI Class IV

Shoals Session III April 21 – 22, 2022

We traveled to the Shoals in April for ALI Class IV’s third session and graduation. The LA Board of Directors also met in the Shoals on Thursday, April 21, and helped kickoff the session by joining Class IV’s graduation lunch. After lunch, the class learned about small town revitalization from Main Street Alabama’s Mary Helmer Wirth (LA Class XXIX) and also how the Shoals area is making a difference with small business resources from Kimberly Hughston (ALI Class IV), Kim Lewis (LA Class XXVI) and Larry Lewis. Ashley Morrow (ALI Class II) shared an enlightening and impactful presentation on balancing time and energy from work, civic, and family life. We celebrated the last session with a fun evening of bowling, trivia, and games in downtown Florence. On Friday, April 22, we kicked off the morning with a strong round table/small group discussion about the ALI program and moving forward before we visited the world famous FAME Recording Studio and Helen Keller’s Ivy Green home.

So many wonderful connections and relationships were made through ALI Class IV. In addition to meaningful presentations throughout their program year, each member noted how valuable it was to join a network of like-minded young professionals.

ALI Class V Nominations

Class V Nominations are OPEN!

Qualified applicants for ALI need to have shown leadership and commitment in a professional capacity and within their own communities.

We seek to identify individuals most likely to utilize their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of Alabama and individuals who are committed to making Alabama a better place in which to live and prosper. Through the application process, we strive to select participants who will provide the class with broad professional, geographic, ethnic, and gender representation.

Basic criteria for selection are:

  • A commitment, motivation, and interest in serving Alabama;
  • A concern for Alabama’s future, demonstrated by past community and statewide activities; and,
  • A commitment to continued involvement in ALI.

Please give serious thought to nominating a young leader in your community for consideration. Candidates should be no younger than 25 and no older than 40 years of age.

Click here to read more about the ALI program.
Click here to nominate for ALI Class V!

COMING SOON…  Announcing Leadership Alabama Class XXXII!

Contact us!!

Don’t hesitate to reach us by phone or email with any questions about news above or the upcoming events. We look forward to seeing so many LA members this summer at the 30th (and holding…) Anniversary!

Kate Cotton – 205-515-6515 – kcotton@leadershipal.org
Ashley Kaplan – 205-905-9415 – ashley@leadershipal.org

📣 Attention... ALI Class V Nominations are OPEN!

June 20, 2022

Alabama Leadership Initiative
Class V Nominations are OPEN!!

In 2017, in order to offer young professionals the opportunity to develop personal leadership skills and to establish ongoing relationships with other young leaders across the state, the Alabama Leadership Initiative was expanded to a six-month program comprised of three two-day retreats. ALI 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 40 – 45 participants, and selection to participate in the program is dependent on the submitted applications.

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.

2022 – 2023 Program Year

Thursday, November 3 – Friday, November 4, 2022
Montgomery

Thursday, February 9 – Friday, February 10, 2023
Birmingham

Thursday, April 20 – Friday, April 21, 2023
Location TBD

Click below review qualifications of candidates for ALI Class V.

ALI Qualifications

Click below to access the nomination form.

ALI Class V
NOMINATION FORM

For questions or more information regarding ALI, please contact
Kate Cotton, 205-515-6515, kcotton@leadershipal.org or
Ashley Kaplan, 205-905-9415, ashley@leadershipal.org