CONTRIBUTED BY REP. JEREMY GRAY
BIRMINGHAM —
Leadership Alabama, a statewide program of Alabama leaders engaged in creating a network for positive change, recently announced the 2022 – 23 class of the Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI).
The program, which was originally introduced in 1995, is for emerging leaders, and it complements Leadership Alabama’s existing leadership networks and programs. ALI class members submitted applications and were chosen through a competitive process conducted by previous members of the initiative.
In order to offer young professionals the opportunity to develop personal leadership skills and establish ongoing relationships with other young leaders, ALI was expanded in 2017 to a six-month program comprised of three two-day retreats.
“The initiative exposes young professionals to decision-makers in Alabama who are sensitive to the challenges we face as a state, and it provides the participants with the unique opportunity to step inside the circle of decision-makers and problem-solvers who mold the future of our state,” said Ashley Kaplan, director of operations and engagement.
During the upcoming program year, ALI Class V members will meet in Montgomery, Birmingham and Mobile/Baldwin County. Presentations and group discussions will encourage members to make a critical examination of preconceptions about their state, their communities and themselves.
According to Leadership Alabama Executive Director Kate Cotton, the program has three goals: education, connections and personal development.
“Leadership Alabama is thrilled to bring together emerging leaders from across Alabama,” she said. “With personal and professional training components, alongside exposure to the challenges and opportunities we face as a state, ALI participants are well equipped to contribute to efforts to move Alabama forward.
2022 – 2023 ALI CLASS V
Janelle Adams: Outokumpu Stainless USA, Mobile
Bishop Alexander: University of North Alabama, Florence
Jennifer Amos: The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers, Guntersville
Emmanuel Bankston: Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts, Headland
Olivia Bradford: Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Tuscumbia
Susan Carothers: SC Events & Communications, Montgomery
Nicole Carpenter: Jones Valley Teaching Farm, Birmingham
Caitlin Cobb: Capell & Howard, P.C., Montgomery
Betsy Compton: The University of West Alabama, Livingston
Candace Cooksey: City of Mobile, Mobile
Dayne Cutrell: Maynard, Cooper, and Gale PC, Birmingham
Kevin Ferguson: Starlight Haven, Fairfield
Katricia Flowers: Recidiviz Birmingham
Adam Fox: Pryor Field Airport Authority, Decatur
Miriam Fry: Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Atmore
Austin Gaines: The Starke Agency, Montgomery
Lucy Gafford: Mobile Arts Council, Mobile
Danielle Gibson: Decatur Morgan County Tourism, Decatur
Caleb Goodwyn: PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Montgomery
Julia Gordon: Teach For America Alabama. Birmingham
Jeremy Gray: Alabama House of Representatives, Opelika
Richmond Gunter: Muncie & Mattson, P.C. Auburn
Rachel Hamm: Protective Life Corporation, Birmingham
Courtnie Harris- Anderson: Sheppard Harris & Associates P.C., Birmingham
Meghan Ann Hellenga Woodlawn United, Birmingham
Randa Hovater: North Alabama Medical Center, Sheffield
Abigail Jackson: The Lollar Group, Homewood
Ashley Johnson: JAMM Resources, Montgomery
Crystal Johnson: Alfa Insurance , Wetumpka
Tevin Jones: City of Birmingham, Birmingham
Haley Kendrick: gener8tor, Birmingham
Abi Kulshreshtha: Southern Research, Birmingham
Jacob Ladner: Thirdmark Capital, Decatur
Silvia Laxson: ¡HICA! Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, Birmingham
Mary Meadows: Livingston Abeona Wealth, Homewood
Kelsi Long: Balch & Bingham LLP, Birmingham
Allen Mayer: Regions, Birmingham
Lindsey McAdory: CBG Strategies LLC, Birmingham
Hunter McBrayer: Alabama Farmers Federation, Deatsville
Corinn O’Brien: A+ Education Partnership, Vestavia Hills
Jessica Odom: The Arc of Southwest Alabama, Chatom
Vimal PatelL L&D Hotels Inc., Dothan
Jessica Payne: PNC Bank, Trussville
Jason Perry: University of Montevallo, Alabaster
Trey Pilkington: NobleBank & Trust Oxford
Andrew Pinyan: Alabama Farm Credit, Holly Pond
Stevi Price: The Decatur City Schools Foundation, Decatur
Mauri Robinson: i3 Academy, Birmingham
Mitchell Thorn: Southeast Gas, Andalusia
Katie Voss: Brasfield & Gorrie, Birmingham
Samantha Williams: Birmingham Promise, Birmingham
Shakeyta Williams: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Birmingham
Suntrease Williams-Maynard: Adams and Reese, Mobile