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POSITIVE MATURITY’S 2ND ANNUAL
2015
TOP
50 50
OVER
Fifty individuals honored for their dedication, passion and drive. We congratulate them on their success as they continue to build communities and create legacies.
Bart Starr William M. Miller Award
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Positive Maturity’s
Top 50 Over 50
They’ve created industry, advocated for the most vulnerable populations and educated our future. They’re judges, doctors and community volunteers. They’re over 50 and fabulous!
Dear Top 50 Over 50 Winners and Guests Welcome to the 2nd annual Top 50 Over 50 Awards ceremony! On behalf of Positive Maturity’s Board of Directors and staff, we extend our congratulations to the class of 2015. You have helped build communities and create legacies that will be cherished for many years to come. The Top 50 Over 50 award was created to recognize and celebrate those individuals who have made a difference in their community, who have touched the lives of others, who know that turning 50 can be the start of something great and that retirement years are often the busiest times of their lives-doing what is important and doing what is enjoyable. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Regions Bank, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Alacare, and Alabama Power. We appreciate their support in making this Top 50 Over 50 event a success! Since 1972, Positive Maturity’s mission has been to enhance the lives of mature adults through civic engagement and social services in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties. We are a proud partner of United Way of Central Alabama and a sponsor for the Corporation for National and Community Service and their Senior Corps programs. Thank you again for supporting this year’s event and we hope to see you again next year!
Photography: Courtesy of Sherry Thomas with Synergy Photography Additional Photography: Penny Kakoliris Creative Design: Jacob B. Nance Editor: Tina Savas www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com
Penny Kakoliris, Executive Director Positive Maturity, Inc.
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We would like to dedicate this Top 50 Over 50 issue to two members of our Board of Directors who for many years, served our agency faithfully, thoughtfully and with dedication. They helped build our community and begin great legacies.
William M. Miller Award William M. Miller was a founding board member of Positive Maturity, Inc. He is recognized for his distinguished World War II military service, an outstanding international trade career, and a long and purpose-filled civic life. The William M. Miller award was created to honor individuals who go above and beyond in building communities and creating legacies. William M. Miller February 18th, 1917 - January 3, 2015 Positive Maturity, Inc. Board of Directors 1972-2006
William M. Voigt December 21, 1938 - March 31 2015 Positive Maturity, Inc. Board of Directors 1990-2015
2015 Top 50 Over 50
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Positive Maturity, Inc. Who We are and What We Do Senior Companion Program (SCP)
Positive Maturity’s Senior Companion Program, under the direction of LaQuita Smith, assists homebound senior adults by providing them with respite, companionship, and in-home assistance, helping them maintain their health and independence while at home. The program serves the client, the client’s primary caregiver, and the volunteer senior companion. The companion agreement may include light housework, meal preparation, respite for caregivers, and companionship and friendship to isolated and frail adults. Volunteers may be as young as 55 years of age. The senior companion volunteers receive a small hourly stipend for up to 40 hours of service a week. There are no income barriers for the clients who are served through the program. The Senior Companion Program is funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service, the United Way of Central Alabama, the Alabama Association of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and The Beeson Foundation.
Shepherd Center East (SCE)
Shepherd Center East, under the direction of Mackie Horowitz, serves as a recreation center for adults as young as 55. Participants at the center can take part in diverse activities such as cards, quilting, bingo, board games, a line dancing club, choir, Nintendo Wii bowling, the [m]Power cognitive fitness program, computer classes, monthly lunch outings, and special group day trips to destinations such as the Amish Country. Shepherd Center East also serves congregate meals and is a site for the Meals on Wheels program for qualifying seniors aged 60 and over. Adults who participate in center activities remain active and engaged with others in their community, making the most of their golden years.
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)
Volunteers for this program are 55 years of age and older, and must have basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. The volunteers receive a small hourly stipend for 20–40 hours of service per week. This program is designed to serve the volunteer as well as the child. Positive Maturity’s Foster Grandparent Program, under the direction of Deborah Gaddis, helps at-risk children in Jefferson County and surrounding areas by providing them with a substitute grandparent and mentor. Most of our volunteers are in Birmingham elementary schools, where they help children learn to read, write, and develop basic social skills. Foster grandparents also serve as assistants to teachers in order to give children the extra one-on-one attention they need. The Foster Grandparent Program is funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service and United Way of Central Alabama.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
The goal of this program is to connect older adults with meaningful volunteer opportunities within their community, meeting the needs of various organizations and nonprofits and helping to keep older adults active and engaged while giving back. Positive Maturity’s RSVP program, under the direction of LaRue Lockhart, provides volunteer opportunities for volunteers in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker counties. RSVP serves these counties by providing a corps of unpaid volunteers who help fill needs within their communities. Our RSVP volunteers are as young as 55 years but are often younger in heart and spirit. They serve in a wide variety of settings, including community hospitals, libraries, jails, senior centers, and schools. RSVP coordinators work hard to match volunteers with opportunities that interest the volunteers and make the most of their talents, skills, and interests.
Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees (AWARE)
Positive Maturity’s AWARE program, under the direction of Brian Crawford, provides job skills assessment and training, employment opportunities, and job placements to people 50 and above in Jefferson and the surrounding counties. AWARE boasts an active partnership with more than 150 businesses and agencies, including the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission and the Office of Senior Citizens Services, providing services to aging workers who may not meet the income restrictions of those two programs. Each year, AWARE also sponsors several local job fairs to connect potential employers with mature workers. Employers find that older employees have a vast array of knowledge and skills to share with up-and-coming employees, and they model a good work ethic in the work place. Older individuals are also more willing to accept part-time positions that fit their lifestyle, making this a beneficial program for both the job-seeker and the employer.
Geriatric Social Services (GSS)
There are many public and private programs available for senior adults. Each program has its own rules and eligibility requirements. Positive Maturity’s Geriatric Social Worker serves as a “navigator” and “expediter,” enabling older adults and families to understand and choose among the bewildering array of available health and social services throughout Jefferson County and Alabama. Our social worker is also responsible for enrolling eligible individuals for assistance with utility bills and securing free medication from major pharmaceutical companies. Clients can meet with the geriatric social worker at the main office or at one of our sites in the community. Positive Maturity continues to partner with the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizens and the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging and its SenioRx program to make the most of resources and avoid duplication of services. www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com
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The Legacy Begins...
Meet the 2015 Top 50 Over 50
Bill Fleming
Ben Herren
FBI Special Agent Bill Fleming and Birmingham Police Detective Ben Herren were responsible for the investigation that brought to justice the last two bombers of the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham that killed four young girls and changed history. The bombing was a 32-year old case when they began. Many of the potential witnesses were deceased or did not want to be found, much less interviewed, and no physical evidence of the crime existed. Despite this, and the many other hurdles and discouragements they encountered, Fleming and Herren persevered, reviewing thousands of pages of files and interviewing hundreds of witnesses. They worked quietly behind the scenes for five years to build the case on two Ku Klux Klan members and help bring closure to a horrific crime and heal the community.
Doug Jones As U.S. Attorney for Alabama’s Northern District, Doug Jones led the prosecution team in the reopened case of the 1963 bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church and successfully prosecuted two former Ku Klux Klan members for the murder of four young girls in the blast—one of the deadliest crimes of the civil rights era. He also coordinated task forces that led to the indictment of notorious fugitive Eric Robert Rudolph, who plead guilty to four terrorist bombings. Now in private practice, Jones began his career as staff counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a regular presenter across the country at civil rights history workshops and law schools. 2015 Top 50 Over 50
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Harry Brown
Harry Brown was very involved in the long term recovery efforts from the Alabama weather disasters of April, 2011. As Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Initiatives for United Way of Central Alabama, he worked as Chair of the Recovery Committee and helped coordinate efforts with agencies such as FEMA and EMA. His experience with recovery includes the Alabama tornadoes in 1998 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Brown has played key roles in initiatives related to childcare, youth, homelessness, transportation, health care, financial stability and, of course, disaster recovery. Since the department began receiving grants in 2000, over $100 million has been used to help poor working families acquire homes, post-secondary education, and small businesses. He has also helped people with terminal illness and has worked in early childhood education and the fight to end childhood obesity. Brown was honored by the Metro Birmingham NAACP in their Fourth Annual Salute to Great Men of Faith.
Tommie Cummings Tommie Cummings is a founding member of the Birmingham Venture Club, author of How to Develop a Business Plan Guide, and one of the most respected financial and accounting minds in Alabama. She was the managing partner of Frost Cummings LLP prior to a merger with the Tidwell Group. She currently serves on the Executive Committee and as a partner in the tax department. She has received numerous awards for her leadership and business acumen including Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and Top Birmingham Woman. UAB awarded her the top honor bestowed upon its alumni, the Distinguished Alumnus award. She served as President of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants, achieving the #1 ranking in the nation. She was also the President and founding member of the National Association of Women Business Owners and served on the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Business Alliance. She is married to Lewis Cummings.
William Hawkins
William Hawkins is an active member and volunteer of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He has also worked in support of both Bread & Roses (now Pathways) and the Miss Alabama pageant. For over seven years, Hawkins has been advocating for the rights of people 50 and older, sharing with legislators the important issues affecting those Alabamians. Each day, he educates them on how to be aware of fraud, stay safer in their homes, and better prepare for retirement. His nominator adds, “He is a constant advocate and thought leader for Alabama’s older adults.”
Shirley Witt Taylor Shirley Ann Witt Taylor is a product of the Birmingham Public School system and a graduate of BirminghamSouthern College. An active member of West End Hills Missionary Baptist Church, she serves as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Director of Christian Education. She is a member of the Jefferson County District Missionary Baptist Association. Her community involvement includes past Board Chair of DELTA, member of the AARP West Jefferson/Bessemer Chapter, volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and YouthServe, United Way Allocation Team member, Board Member of Girls Inc. and the American Diabetes Association Leadership Council. She is a retired Vice President of Liberty National Life Insurance Company. Currently she serves as President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is married to Edward and they have one daughter, one son, and five grandchildren. Taylor’s credo is “if I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain.” www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com
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Judy Abroms
Judy Abroms had a special birthday last year. As a major contributor to the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, the center was dedicated that day. Retired business owner, philanthropist and tireless volunteer, Abroms and her husband, Hal, have lent generous support to the McWane Center, Alabama Symphony, Alys Stephens Center, Miles Jewish Day School, Birmingham Jewish Federation, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Museum of Art, Civil Rights Institute, UCP, YMCA, the Botanical Gardens and Samford University. They have also received the very highest civic awards in the community. As past President of the Jewish Federation she was intimately involved in major fundraising, and in a two-week period, she raised $70,000 for a new Buz-a-bus. She is extremely proud of the student scholarships they have established and says, “our greatest joy comes when a recipient tells us ‘your generosity afforded me the opportunity to have experiences that have changed my life forever.’ How much better can it get?”
Theodore “Ted” Debro, Jr.
Theodore “Ted” Debro, Jr. put the community in Community Services at JCCEO. During his time at JCCEO, he assessed the needs of the Jefferson County community and wrote proposals addressing those needs by exploring ideas to expand the agency’s community service component. Major community services at the agency such as LIHEAP, Weatherization, and the Surplus Food Program were fragmented. After becoming the agency’s first Community Services Director, Debro immediately began putting to work his innovative ideas and overseeing what would become some of the most critically needed and sought after community services and programs in Jefferson County. In January, he retired as JCCEO Community Services Deputy Director.
John F. Croyle
John Croyle was an All-American football and basketball player in high school, and a member of the 1973 National Championship team and All-American at Alabama. Today, his name is synonymous with Big Oak Ranch where he dedicates his life to relieve the suffering of children in need. His vision to establish the best children’s home in America began at age 19 as a counselor at a youth camp in Mississippi. That experience and words from Coach Bryant led to Big Oak Ranch. Established in 1974 with five boys, the Ranch has been home to nearly 2000 children and is now home to over 100 boys and girls at two separate locations. Croyle’s promises to every child are: “I love you. I’ll never lie to you. I’ll stick with you until you’re grown. There are boundaries – don’t cross them.” Along with these four promises come emotional support, honesty, security and discipline.
Jeremiah Castille
Growing up in a dysfunctional home and self -proclaimed as “mean with the temperament of a crazy person,” Jeremiah Castille credits much of his success to Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who helped him grow from an 18-year-old boy into a 22-year-old man. Jeremiah was a pallbearer at Coach Bryant’s funeral. At Alabama, Castille played on the 1979 National Championship team, had a record sixteen interceptions and was a member of the College Football All-American Team. In the 1982 Liberty Bowl, he was MVP. He played professional football for Tampa Bay and Denver, where he is forever remembered for a play called “The Fumble.” He then used his talent to share God’s message with youngsters, a message he so desperately needed as a boy. He became an ordained minister and founded the Jeremiah Castille Foundation. He says “changing one generation at a time is what it takes.” 2015 Top 50 Over 50
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Dr. Andrew Duxbury
Originally from Seattle, Andrew Duxbury attended Stanford University, returned to Seattle for medical school, then UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for his residency, specializing in Geriatric Medicine. After serving on the UC Davis faculty, he accepted a new position with UAB’s Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care where he has been ever since, rising to Full Professor and Director for UAB’s geriatric clinic. He is a frequent public speaker on elder health and health policy. Duxbury has developed a second career supporting the performing arts. He has written plays devoted to older actors and audiences and can frequently be found on stage. He has been a member of the Opera Birmingham chorus for 7 years, and advocates for the performing and fine arts as a necessary part of the aging life experience. He also writes an Internet-based movie review column and has studied the flying trapeze.
Reverend Sally Allocca
For twenty years Reverend Sally Allocca has served as Pastor of East Lake United Methodist Church, and has worked tirelessly to increase food security and improve nutrition for those in need, especially children and senior adults in Birmingham’s eastern area. She is the Founder and Executive Director of P.E.E.R., Inc. - Promoting Empowerment and Enrichment Resources. P.E.E.R. is her vision for transforming the diverse, low-income neighborhood where she resides into a thriving community that is empowered with resources for healthy living, learning, and working. P.E.E.R. projects include running the bustling East Lake Farmers Market, East Lake Community Kitchen and the East Lake Mobile Market.
Dr. Gaye Vance
For over 25 years, Dr. Gaye Vance has been dedicated to helping others. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she works with adults, adolescents and children at the practice she opened in 1997 - Shelby Psychological Services, located in Pelham. She has served as an adjunct faculty member for UAB and the University of Phoenix. She is past President and Continuing Education Chairperson for the Alabama Psychological Association. Through her work with the association, state agencies, and national and state legislators, Dr. Vance educates and advocates for quality mental health services for families in need. Over the years, she became increasingly aware that fitness and activity were essential to a person’s well-being. So after age 50, she obtained her fitness certification and helped found the Fitness Connection, where she is a personal trainer on nights and weekends. Ask Dr. Vance and she will tell you “life just begins at age 50!”
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Rabbi Jonathan Miller
Temple Emanu-El flourishes under the enthusiastic leadership of Rabbi Jonathan Miller, who joined the congregation in 1991. Previously, he served as a Rabbi in Los Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand. He was ordained at the New York Campus of Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, after having graduated from Brandeis University. Rabbi Miller embraces the traditions of the congregation, while at the same time providing exciting and innovative programming. He has done incredible work building and sustaining meaningful relationships in the faith community of Birmingham and is a strong voice for Israel advocacy.
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Steve Hannum Chris Curry To say that Chris Curry is committed to law enforcement and fighting drug abuse issues, domestic violence, and protection of our senior citizens and children, is truly an understatement. His career is vast and spans from the Shelby County Sheriff ’s office to the FBI. He is certified in crisis negotiations and criminal investigator training, and numerous other advanced certifications including legal issues, personnel policies, critical incident management, terrorism, cybercrime, and survival tactics. He is also a frequent presenter for leadership development courses and management techniques. He is a 1985 UA Law Enforcement Academy graduate and has served the Shelby County Sheriff ’s Office as Deputy, Operations Manager, Chief Deputy and Sheriff. Curry is a graduate of Leadership Shelby County and was awarded Leadership Alumni of the Year in 2004. His nominator noted, “He is involved in all aspects of the Shelby County community and is a role model through his efforts in law enforcement and beyond.”
Joe Perez Recently voted as Vestavia Voice’s Community Member of the Year Runner-Up, longtime Vestavia Hills resident Joe Perez has made his mark on his city. He is a board member of Rotary Club of Vestavia Hills, trustee in Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, and a graduate and former board member of Leadership Vestavia Hills. For many years while his boys Michael and Matthew were still in Vestavia schools, Perez served on the athletic board, helping Coach Buddy Anderson administer the membership activities of the athletic association. He also enjoys giving back to the greater community through volunteering for Brother Bryan Mission, which seeks to minister to economically, emotionally, and spiritually impoverished men. Twice retired, first from Bell South and then MATRIX Resources, Perez now owns and operates the local franchise of Wild Birds Unlimited in Hoover, a retail store stocking supplies for feeding and observing birds.
Steve Hannum retired as a tennis coach years ago but has never stopped working. His enormous passion for helping others led him to serve as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Tuscaloosa before moving to Birmingham as Outreach Manager for The Literacy Council. Hannum’s interest in literacy began when he volunteered as an adult reading tutor, and now he is dedicated to teaching adults the basics of reading. He piloted the innovative adult drop-in program that regularly serves 90 people each week and also helped to create the Alabama Literacy Alliance. He works tirelessly to decrease the dropout rate and increase the number of adults obtaining a GED. Hannum spends his evenings and Saturdays tutoring men at the Salvation Army. His nominator said, “He never stops working and still finds time to be a great husband to his wife Sarah, a great father, grandfather, and friend to all.”
Gary Edwards
When Gary Edwards was named Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham in 1982, the staff totaled 25. Thanks to him, there are now over 160 people who serve hundreds every day. His leadership has expanded Hand In Hand’s Early Intervention Program, making it the largest provider of those services in the state; opened 5 satellite facilities for families who lacked access to services; launched Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose; established relationships with UAB, Very Special Arts, Birmingham Dance Foundation and many others to enhance educator training; opened LINCPoint, a day facility for adults with disabilities; started Employment Services; developed UCP Enterprises, which includes Gone for Good, a document destruction company that provides employment for people with disabilities; and launched the Life Without Limits Clinic, a physical medicine and rehab facility. He also chairs the Disabilities Leadership Coalition of Alabama and serves on many boards, including Alabama Family Trust and ClasTran. 2015 Top 50 Over 50
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J. Mason Davis, Jr. Mason Davis has been a lawyer since 1959 and is one of Birmingham’s preeminent names in justice. A shareholder at the Sirote firm, he has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America numerous times and one of Alabama’s Super Lawyers of 2015. He was honored in 2013 with the Lifetime Achievement in Civil Rights from the NAACP, as well as the Alabama Poverty Project and Journey for Justice Awards. He’s served on countless boards, including chairman of the Chamber, Energen, Talladega College and the Alabama Archives and History Foundation. In 2002, he was Chairman of United Way and in 2013, Governor Riley selected him to serve on the Alabama Citizens’ Constitution Commission. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama School of Law and received an honorary doctorate degree from his alma mater, State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.
Judge O.L. “Pete” Johnson
Judge Pete Johnson is a busy man with a big heart. He’s been a teacher, sports coach, assistant District Attorney, District Judge, Rotarian, and an Armored Cavalry Platoon Leader in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star. While a Presiding Judge, he initiated the widely recognized Drug Court and now frequently lectures on drugs and crime. He’s won many awards, including an honor from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. His 36-year involvement with Alabama Boys State has earned him countless tributes, as he personifies their highest ideals. His nominator added, “There is no man whose name is more associated with Alabama Boys State than that of Judge Johnson.” While working on a farm in Hardaway as a young boy where he raised show calves, he represented his school at American Legion’s Alabama Boys State. Counting the very next year, he has continuously served on the staff, with the exception of the year 1970, when he was in service in Vietnam.
Timothy P. Donahue
Tim Donahue has been a litigator specializing in civil defense since 1981. He’s tried over 85 jury cases to conclusion and specializes in governmental and municipality liability law, as well as construction litigation and workman’s compensation. He proudly represents Alabama as a frequent lecturer to various business groups, governmental entities and trade associations around the Southeast. Donahue was named Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal, Best Attorneys of America by Rue Ratings, Who’s Who in American Law, a Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America (an invitation-only honorary society of trial lawyers consisting of less than one-half of one percent of American Lawyers), is certified as a state court mediator with the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution, and is rated AV® Preeminent™ by the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He and his wife Diane live in Vestavia Hills.
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David Hornsby
David Hornsby has long been one of Blount County’s leading innovators. In 2006, he opened Hornsby Steel in Cleveland, Alabama, which quickly found its niche within the fabricating industry by developing an expertise in spirals and complicated shapes. His vision has led to his company’s success as they serve clients throughout the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean. He’s also announced the launch of Sun Charge Systems, a subsidiary that will produce a new solar-powered charging station in a new Oneonta shop. Hornsby Steel was recently selected as the Blount County Business of the Year by the Blount County-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, the company was recognized by Governor Robert Bentley as one of eight Alabama industries to receive the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award for excelling in international trade.
Nell Miller
Nell Miller is a wife, mother of two, grandmother of four, and an advocate for agriculture. She was born in Blountsville, but moved to a farm in Snead, when she married her husband, Jimmy, before graduating high school. Nell has worked on the farm all of her adult life, from farm hand to bookkeeper and cook, even working for the Boll Weevil Eradication Program for 12 years. Nell has served as Chairman of the Blount County Women’s Leadership Committee for 15 years, the Alabama Farmer’s Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee for three years, the Blount County Soil and Water Conservation District for 25 years, the CAWACA RC&D Council, and volunteer for “Kid’s Day on the Farm” and FFA Soil Judging. At Snead United Methodist, she is the Sunday School Superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, choir member and Chairman of the United Methodist Women’s Committee.
Bonnie Montey
Bonnie Swann Montey is a lifelong resident of Blount County. A graduate from Cleveland High School, she attended Jacksonville State and Snead State for a short time before accepting a job with the Blount County Probate Office. This year marks her 45th consecutive year of serving Blount County. She has worked as the Chief Probate Clerk for the past 15 years and has set no date for retirement. Montey has served in positions of leadership with the Blount County Historical Society, Cleveland First Baptist Church and the Alabama Chief Clerk’s Association. She considers her work a ministry to people because of family loss and mental illness. She also loves sharing the joy of families through their process of adopting children. Her coworkers say, “There has never been a more caring and devoted person to serve the people of Blount County.”
Jennifer Smith Kilburn
Jennifer Kilburn was a Captain in the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office, assigned to work with the Jefferson County Board of Education to implement school-based law enforcement. It was then she began volunteering for the Children’s Policy Council of Jefferson County, whose job is to ensure the best possible outcomes for the county’s children. So it became a natural fit for Kilburn to become its Executive Director after she retired. She holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Public Administration from UAB. She has served on the Boards of One Roof and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. She serves on the Jefferson County Community Advisory Board for UAB’s Center for the Study of Community Health and the Steering Committee of the Coordinated Community Response to Family Violence. Jennifer and her husband Ray live in the West Jefferson Community of Concord. 2015 Top 50 Over 50
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Charles D. Dean A quote from Charles Dean will tell his story best: “I do not think I would be in this world if I could not help all that are in need. I do not have much, but I will give it all to help others.” His nominator added, “He is possibly the most amazing and wonderful person I have ever known.” From Walker County, Dean is a retired teacher, having taught 36 years at Dora High, one year at Curry High, and six years at the Tuskegee Institute. In addition to serving on the Advisory Council for Walker County RSVP, he serves on the Bevill State College President’s Council and Parrish City Council. He was a 3-term President of Walker County’s Teacher’s Association, repeat President of the Retired Teacher’s Association, twenty-year NEA Delegate, and Teacher of the Year four times. He is currently Director for the Fatherhood Initiative Program. On his RSVP application for volunteer experience, he put one word: “extensive.”
Judge Stanley A. Wade Judge Wade has been a servant of his country, county and community all his life. He is a retired veteran of the US Air Force and began his civilian life working for Delta Bus Lines & Transfer as a bookkeeper. In 1976, he was elected Probate Judge of Walker County and served three consecutive terms, retiring at age 70. Known and loved by everyone, he was one of the first volunteers for the American Red Cross in Walker County and still serves as a board member. He is credited with the birth of the food bank for the local Salvation Army Center, where he also serves as a Board Member. Judge Wade was an RSVP volunteer when the Walker County office was located inside People’s Hospital, and remains an RSVP Advisory Council member today. In May, Stanley and his wife Louise celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
David Sherman Wallace David Wallace, a Hartselle native, possesses the attribute of making people feel like they matter. His ear is always inclined toward the lives of others. Wallace is a BirminghamSouthern graduate and former baseball player. He received his divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and retired after 44 years of service at First United Methodist Church (UMC) in Jasper and Vestavia. He presently serves as Chaplain for Ridgeview Health Services. He is a member of the UMC Foundation, and serves on their College Ministry Committee, Board of Directors for Pastoral Care, and Disaster Relief Team. In addition, he works with the Walker County Court System with at-risk teens, the county’s DHR children’s service team and Special Olympics. He has coached girls’ softball and was the chaplain for the Walker High School wrestling team. One of his nominators said, “He has covered all the age groups, from teens to seniors.”
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Robert “Bob” Dobson
Robert “Bob” Dobson began his long career with the Birmingham News- Post Herald in 1969. His leadership lead to the title of Circulation Director, responsible for the distribution of over 225,000 papers daily. Dobson was a speaker for many organizations including the Southern Newspaper Publisher’s Association, Alabama Press Association, Southern Circulation Manager’s Association (also served as President, board, Audit Bureau of Circulation liaison and recipient of Clarence Bevenger Award for Most Effective Leader) and the International Circulation Managers Association (board). He was involved in his city and community over the years, including the Downtown Action Committee (executive committee), Operation New Birmingham (board), Birmingham Civitan Club (president, board), Birmingham Kiwanis Club, Birmingham Press Club (president), Camp Birmingham, United Way (allocation committee and firm chairman), Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (president’s committee), Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Golden Eagle Journalism Award Medal of Honor by Alabama Senior Citizen’s Hall of Fame, Senior Living Newspaper and co-manager of Birmingham Broadway Series Playbill.
Donna Francavilla
In the late 1980’s, the Washington Post wrote about Donna Francavilla, a young news director who turned the tables on entrepreneur Donald Trump. While covering a press conference promoting his newest hotel, she prompted Trump to say in a recorded interview, that when he was in Washington D.C., he listened to the radio station she was managing. Francavilla broadcast on a number of major east coast radio stations before completing two international journalism fellowships. Locally, you might have seen her work on television, but she is mostly known for her national news contributions to CBS News, Oprah and Agence France Presse. Four years consecutively, she has won Alabama Media Professionals and National Federation of Press Women communication awards, taking the most in the state in 2013 and 4 nationally. Francavilla, the founder of boutique public relations agency, Frankly Speaking Communications LLC, is the mother of four and recently became a proud grandmother.
Everett Holle
Everett Holle’s career plan was architecture, but when he visited his first radio station, that changed forever. He enrolled in broadcasting at the University of Alabama and went on the air, helping to launch the first campus sports show. Following graduation, Holle worked for WAPI, and at 21, he ran both the radio and TV stations. During two years of active duty, he headed the Army’s radio, TV and motion picture department, responsible for major productions starring prominent actors. After 35 years, he retired as a Brigadier General and returned to WAPI. Forty years later, he retired from broadcasting. UA’s College of Communication honored him with its first Dean’s Medal in 2002 and the Bert Bank Distinguished Service Award in 2014. Holle has been inducted into the Alabama Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame and has served on and chaired many boards, including United Way Food Bank, Easter Seals, SCORE, and The Salvation Army.
2015 Top 50 Over 50
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Flora Blackledge
Flora Blackledge, native of Prattville, was the first African-American female to become a Colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard in Alabama. She is active with Mount Ararat Missionary Baptist Church; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; has served as President of Birmingham Health Care; board member of Girl Scouts of Cahaba Council; and Treasurer of Tuskegee University. She also helped to build the Healthy Start program. Awards include Once a Girl Scout Always a Girl Scout, Thank You Badges I and II, and Woman of the Year by the Girl Scouts. Not one to sit idle, she volunteers with the youth in her church and the senior citizens of Sherman Heights. She was also the chief organizer of the Blue Cross Blue Shield awards program for Birmingham City high schools. Flora and her husband Victor have raised four girls, all college graduates with successful careers.
Teresa Thorne
Teresa “T.K.” Thorne retired as a captain of the Birmingham Police Department and works as Executive Director of downtown’s CAP. She has served in officer positions on multiple community boards, most currently on the Alabama Writer’s Conclave, Lions Club, and as a table captain for YWCA’s fundraising luncheon. As CAP Director, she spearheaded the Birmingham Pledge mural and 911 Memorial Walk, and created a Homeless Resource Guide, utilized by the homeless and community service organizations. Her writing has garnered awards, including Book of the Year for Historical Fiction by ForeWord Reviews, for her debut novel Noah’s Wife. A short film from her screenplay Six Blocks Wide has shown at juried festivals in the U.S. and Europe. Her nonfiction book, Last Chance for Justice, about the Birmingham church bombing case made the New York Post’s Must Read list for 2013, and her new, acclaimed historical novel is Angels at the Gate.
Linda Verin
A serial entrepreneur, Verin started a day camp at age twelve, produced psychedelic car stickers at eighteen, was the first coffee house manager at NYU to make a profit, owned and ran a chain of award winning multi-million dollar stereo stores for twenty years with her husband and started an ad agency famous for the Goldberg Attorney jingle. She’s retired many times but it never sticks. For ten years she headed up a teen group, P.E.A.C.E. Birmingham, for young people of different races, religions and cultural experiences, co-sponsored by the Civil Rights Institute and Temple Emanu-El, now endowed at the YWCA. She’s been awarded the Urban League Interracial Friendship Award, the NAACP Woman of Excellence Award and serves on the Princeton Race Relations Scholarship Committee. After selling cars and running a PAC to elect more women to office in Alabama, Linda started an ad agency, Ads that Work!
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Joanie Gable With over 36 years of experience as a business coach to high growth firms, start-ups, struggling companies, and as an Acquisitions and Exit Strategist with B2B CFO, Joanie Gable’s commitment to growth, both personally and professionally, is what makes her uniquely successful. Her work even took her “down in the mines” as the former Director of Planning for Drummond Coal. Along with the usual education degrees, she has a Masters in Christian Counseling and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Christian Business Entrepreneurship. She has certifications in Thanatology and Partners in Peacemaking. She has served as President of the Hoover Rotary Club and on the Rotary’s District Grants and Treasurer’s Committees and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She was Finance Chair at the Church of Brookhills during their campus-building project and started Hope for the Heart, a group for moms who have lost children.
Kathy G. Mezrano Kathy Mezrano’s philosophy is simple: exquisite food, beautifully presented. For nearly 30 years, this basic principle along with her entrepreneurial spirit launched Kathy G & Company into one of the leading catering and event design firms in the Southeast. Along with her design department, she composes stylistic tablescapes that have garnered national industry awards for Best Themed Buffet, Best Themed Event Décor and Most Creative Hors d’oeuvre. Mezrano has served on the board of directors of the International Caterers Association and is a member of the International Special Events Society. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Special Events, Catering Magazine, Southern Living, Southern Accents and Alabama Weddings. Kathy is a regular on local television and is currently composing a cookbook for entertaining.
Bill Logan
Bill Logan has been a constant in the West Blount Community for over 40 years. The area has changed over time, but through it all, Logan’s General Store has been a landmark because of Bill and Lela Logan. According to their nominators, “They have supported the community financially, emotionally and by example, exemplifying the true meaning of citizenship and service. It would be easy for the Logans to say ‘we have done our part’ but they never have; they always serve, contribute, encourage, invest, and strive to make the community a better place, time after time.” Through the years, countless young people have been given opportunities through their business. One nominator adds, “Logan and his wife are valued members of the community because they consistently strive to leave the community better than they found it over 40 years ago, and in that effort they have made a difference that words cannot properly describe.” 2015 Top 50 Over 50
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Dudley Reynolds Dudley Reynolds served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Alabama Gas Corporation from 2003 to March 31st of this year. Reynolds was employed by Energen Corporation, the holding company of Alabama Gas, in various capacities since 1980. He served as a General Counsel and Secretary of Energen and each of its subsidiaries since 1991. Reynolds began his career with Alabama Gas in 1980 as a staff attorney and has served as an officer of Alabama Gas Corporation since 1985. He is a member of the Leadership Council of the Southern Gas Association and served as Chairman of the Legal Managing Committee of the American Gas Association. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Furman University and his Law Degree from the University of Georgia.
Dr. George Courtney T. French French, Jr. As current President of Miles College, Dr. French has led the largest Capital Campaign Fund Drive in its history. Helping the college to exponentially develop and expand, more than $42 million was raised, which exceeded the goal of $30 million. With these strategic efforts, Miles College has achieved an unprecedented financial composite score rating of 7.0, denoting that an institution is in sound financial health and positioned for growth. This puts Miles College among the most fiscally sound institutions in the nation. To date, Dr. French has secured approximately $100 million dollars of funding in support of Miles College.
General Charles “Chuck” Krulak
In Birmingham, General Krulak is best known as the 13th President of BirminghamSouthern College. But his vast military and business background is known worldwide. Krulak was appointed the 31st Commandant of the U.S. Marines Corps in 1995, a post he held until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, responsible for over 220,000 active and reserve forces and 20,000 civilian employees. He annually increased the Corps’ share of the Department of Defense budget by $1.5 billion and instituted the Marine Corps Fighting Laboratory. Following the military, he was Chairman and CEO of MBNA Europe Bank in England, then Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer of MBNA America Bank in Delaware. Krulak’s distinguished military career included coordinating the military support for Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He also served by presidential appointment as Chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors. www.positivematurity.org www.top50over50.com
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Dr. Lester Seigel A Renaissance man and consummate musician, Lester Seigel has spent a lifetime bringing music, the love of learning, and a fierce passion for the arts to the city of Birmingham and beyond. A well-known and beloved pianist/organist, choirmaster, conductor and educator, he has led the Birmingham-Southern College Concert Choir for 25 years, performing at the Lincoln Center and in Europe, impacting hundreds of students’ lives. He founded his professional choir, Sursum Corda, which has received rave reviews internationally. He has conducted Opera Birmingham, Alabama Symphony, and the Canterbury United Methodist Choir. Seigel has received numerous awards including the Silver Bowl Award in Music from the City of Birmingham and the Thomas Smith Award for Excellence in Choral Music in Alabama, and he sits on the ASO Board. According to his nominator, “Be assured...if there is something musically exciting happening in Birmingham, Lester is involved...and loving it!”
Ann Florie Ann Florie is the Executive Director of Leadership Birmingham and Second Vice-Chair of the Birmingham Water Works board. She was the founding director of Region 20/20 and a member of the executive committee of the Birmingham Business Alliance. Florie earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tulane in New Orleans. She served for ten years on the Mountain Brook Board of Education and is a past president of the Junior League. She served on Representative Artur Davis’ transition team and was a founding member of the board of the Children First Foundation. Florie has also served on the Public Affairs Research Council, Freshwater Land Trust, Brookwood Medical Center, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jefferson County Personnel Board, United Way of Central Alabama, and the McWane Science Center. She is a recipient of the Richard Arrington, Jr. Achievement Award, the Cahaba Girl Scouts Council’s Women of Distinction award, and several other honors.
Chef Clayton Sherrod Chef Clayton is an American Culinary Federation Executive Chef and a member of the elite American Academy of Chefs. He serves on the regional ACF Chef Professionalism Committee and is a member of the ACF Accreditation Team for Culinary Colleges. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University. Chef Clayton chaired the USA team for South Africa’s “World Chefs Tour Against Hunger,” and partnered with an African explorer to distribute mosquito nets in South Africa. He has won Chef of the Year from the American Culinary Federation and the ACF Presidential Award. He is the recipient of the Bahamas Chef Association’s Distinguished Service Award and a charter member of the Caribbean Chefs Association. He is Chair of the Alabama Negro League Baseball Museum Foundation and on the advisory board of the Center for Negro League Baseball Research. He is married to Sharon and they have two daughters, Valerie and Shannon.
2015 Top 50 Over 50
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James Spann
James Spann is the Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40 and can be seen weeknights at 4, 5, 6, and 10 o’clock. He joined ABC 33/40 one month after the station signed on the air in the fall of 1996. Spann has received the two highest awards in the nation for a broadcast meteorologist. One is Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association, which he accepted in 2012. James was also the winner of the American Meteorological Society Award for Broadcast Meteorology in 2013. He won an Emmy for best television weather anchor in the Southeast from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2014. And, in 2013, The University of West Alabama conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree to Spann. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trinity Medical Center.
Mike Slive
Mike Slive has served as Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) since 2002 and just recently retired. During his tenure, he oversaw perhaps the greatest era of success since the league was founded in 1933. He led the adoption of a new and effective league-wide NCAA compliance initiative, engineered landmark television contracts including the launch of a conference network, and guided the conference through expansion, welcoming two new institutions. Since his arrival in the league office, he developed initiatives designed to maintain and improve the SEC’s preeminent position in intercollegiate athletics, including the SEC Task Force on Compliance and Enforcement, SECU (the conference’s academic initiative), the SEC Minority Coaches Database and an SEC sportsmanship initiative. While at the SEC, he served as coordinator of the Bowl Championship Series and chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee.
Neal Morrison
Neal Morrison is currently serving on Governor Robert Bentley’s Cabinet as the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Before joining the Cabinet, he served as the Executive Director of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Government in Decatur, where he oversaw aging programs in three counties. Commissioner Morrison spent 17 years with the Alabama TwoYear College System serving in various positions: Director of Adult Education, Work Force training, Economic Development, and interim President of Bevill State Community College. He is a former legislator, where he represented District 12 in the Alabama House of Representatives for 13 years. He is a lifetime member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Married to Tracy, they have two daughters and one granddaughter. Commissioner Morrison received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Athens State University and his Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law.
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Edward Hardin Edward Hardin brings over 40 years of litigation management and trial experience to Burr & Forman. He served as Executive Vice-President and General Counsel of Caremark Rx until they merged with CVS, where he continued to serve as consultant. He has served as lead trial counsel in over 200 civil jury trials in federal and state courts. For over 20 years, Hardin served as Special Assistant Attorney General and represented the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Many civic activities decorate his years in the legal and health care communities. Most notable is his active participation on the Woodrow Wilson Council, a private-sector advisory group to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. Hardin also serves on the Board of Trustees for his alma mater, Birmingham-Southern College. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors for both the American Sports Medicine Institute and Children of Slain Police Officers.
Timothy A. Lewis Tim Lewis is President of TALA Professional Services, a 38 year-old management-consulting firm that develops economic growth for business, industry, and communities using technology based innovative applied infrastructure. So it was no surprise when the West Alabama Chamber, the city of Tuscaloosa, and the University of Alabama asked him to serve as an “entrepreneur in residence” as they collaborate on a smallbusiness incubator to support local entrepreneurs. He is excited about the opportunity to give back to the community and to help both college students and entrepreneurs turn their visions into successful businesses. He is also known as the founder, with lawyer Jim Rotch, of the Birmingham Diversity Summit, which hosted an annual event for many years that focused on the importance of diversity in the workplace.
William M. Miller Award
Bart Starr Bart Starr was a 17th round draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 1956. The arrival of Vince Lombardi as Packers coach changed his football career. With his encouragement, Starr acquired the confidence to become one of the NFL’s great field leaders. He played 15 years as a quarterback and rose to become one of the Packers’ greatest players. He held several NFL records and led the league in passing three times. Starr lead the Packers to five NFL titles and two Super Bowl Championships. He was honored as MVP of Super Bowls I and II. After his playing career, Starr remained with the team he built as head coach from 1975 to 1983. He is in the Football Hall of Fame and has won many awards, including NFL Award for Citizenship and the Byron White Award. Bart Starr was the man who made the Packers click and he will always be respected for his hardworking attitude and perseverance. Today, he runs Healthcare Realty Management and is cofounder of the Rawhide Boys Ranch, a place for boys in trouble.
2015 Top 50 Over 50
SPECIAL PROMOTION
2015 2nd Annual Top 50 Over 50 Thanks to our sponsors!
www.positivematurity.org Positive Maturity, Incorporated
www.top50over50.com 3918 Montclair Rd. Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35213
P. 205.803.3211
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A Beacon of Inspiration.
July 30th, 2015 6 PM to 9 PM Cahaba Grand Conference Center www.top50over50.com Join Positive Maturity on July 30th as we honor 50 individuals over the age of 50 who have built strong communities and created amazing legacies in Alabama.
Tickets available on the Top 50 Over 50 Website (you can also call 205.803.3211 to purchase tickets)
$125 per guest open seating
$1200 for a VIP table reserved seating
Tickets include admission & Cocktail Hour and Dinner Business or “After 5� Attire
2015 Top 50 Sponsors
Positive Maturity, Inc. 3918 Montclair Rd. Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35213 P. 205.803.3211
Congratulations Dudley Reynolds on being recognized for your lifetime achievements. Your leadership and dedication to our communities has been and will always be a guiding light for others.