65 minute read
SPOTLIGHT
text by MAGGIE LACEY • portraits by CHAD RILEY
LIKE MANY ALABAMA KIDS,
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William Strickland’s early life revolved around fishing, hunting and football. He would fish for crappie with his grandfather on the Black Warrior River, south of Tuscaloosa, catching fish in the same holes that his father had fished as a kid some 50 years earlier. On those outings, his grandfather, William Strickland the first, instilled in William the importance of caring for your neighbor, environmentally speaking.
The elder Strickland would tell his grandson that back when he was a kid, you could walk across the Black Warrior. It was that polluted. The Clean Water Act of 1972 improved conditions considerably, but there was still a threat from the paper mill upstream creating high levels of mercury in the fish, and logging along the banks accelerated harmful runoff.
“It was rare back then to find the president of the National Turkey Foundation and Ducks Unlimited talking about heavy metals in the fish, but my grandfather wanted to talk about it,” says Strickland. “He was a conservationist, and truly an environmentalist, although he would have cringed at the term.”
Hunting in the swamps of Sumter County and running trotlines in the rivers, the youngest William Strickland heard an earful about being a good neighbor to those downstream, having no idea he would one day live there himself.
The Long Road to Mobile
Today, Strickland sits beside a laptop at a coffee shop in downtown Mobile. As the new director for Mobile Baykeeper, he is certainly continuing his grandfather’s work to protect and preserve the wild spaces in our state. He also clearly shares his grandfather’s outgoing personality, too.
“He was a big influence on my life,” Strickland remembers of the man who passed away just four years ago. “He was one of those guys who knew everybody. Sunday lunch after church would take hours because he’d have to shake everybody’s hand in the restaurant.”
I can see history repeating itself over a latte as Strickland acknowledges Downtown business people who are popping in and out to get a midmorning refuel. He says he moved to Mobile just last January, but that is hard to believe given the number of hellos and handshakes he gives out. The self-described people person is out to get Baykeeper in front of everyone in town: Those who view themselves as environmentalists and those who don’t, those who hunt and fish and those who don’t. Anyone who cares about having a clean place to recreate or quality seafood to enjoy — they are on his list.
You can tell he also has drive. A former high-school quarterback who played wide receiver under Nick Saban (“I could run a little bit,” he modestly admits) fully understands the importance of process, organization and teamwork. And he is bringing all that to Baykeeper. Building on the firm foundation and legacy already established by his predecessors, Strickland hopes to tightly focus the organization’s work around a single mission. “We’ll know we’re successful when no one has to question if the fish are safe to eat, if the water is safe to swim in, if our oyster reefs and seagrass beds return.” Unlike other nonprofits, who set goals to still be around in 10 or 20 years, Strickland says Baykeeper will have done a good job when they are no longer needed.
For now, the organization is very much needed, as threats to our local waterways persist and multiply. He says the problems are big and deep and long and complex, but he’s prepared to tackle them head on. “We’ve got a lot of problems coming from upstream, but there is a misconception that there’s nothing we can do about what’s coming downstream. And frankly, the majority of our problems are from us, not from upstream. If we could clean up our act here in coastal Alabama, that would move the needle tremendously.”
The Engineer Activist
Although conservation was certainly always in his blood, the road to Baykeeper was a little unusual for Strickland. A talented math student, he was encouraged to pursue engineering.
“I took a class with Dr. Robert Pitt on turbidity in stormwater, and I discovered there were these people working on surface water issues. Until junior year, I had never met anyone who was both an engineer and an activist. I didn’t know that existed.” He says that’s when it clicked — he could be an engineer and do something to save the world. He laughs at his last statement, unsure whether that was his naivete or his quarterback arrogance talking back then. Either way, he had found his direction for life.
His first job out of college, however, left him a little disillusioned with the field. Despite a wonderful boss and a great company, he realized environmental engineering was primarily about compliance. Companies, he argues, want to be in compliance at the lowest cost to them. “And if there’s a way to be in compliance without action, without solving the degradation problems, that’s what they want to do. But when you’re young and idealistic, and you earn a degree in environmental engineering, you want to do more. I wanted to clean up the water like my grandfather taught me.”
What followed were three and a half amazing years where he and his wife and former high school sweetheart, Lauren, devoted themselves to nonprofit and missionary work, helping kids in Eastern Europe and poor rural communities in Southeast Asia. “One organization asked me to expand their footprint into Asia, and only a young, overconfident person will take on over half the world’s population if you ask them to,” he laughs. “I learned a ton, and we visited somewhere in the ballpark of 40 nations during that time.”
The couple returned to the States and made a home in Phoenix, Arizona, where Strickland continued work with the same kinds of organizations, but in more of a leadership role. When the pandemic hit, however, Strickland, his wife and growing family wanted to move closer to home. One day a Waterkeepers Alliance email came to his inbox advertising the Mobile Baykeeper job.
“I sent the job listing to my dad and he said, ‘If I had to write a job description for you, I don’t think I could do better.’ Because it brings together that nonprofit leadership and the environmental engineering, letting me get back to my first love of environmental work.”
With their families still in Tuscaloosa, Mobile seemed like an easy distance. After crisscrossing the globe to visit family, the drive from Mobile to Tuscaloosa seemed very doable.
While they may have landed in a smaller city, compared to Phoenix, Strickland says they wanted to live in a walkable community. He made the move without a car, thinking his family-fitted bike would carry him between the Baykeeper office, his Midtown home, and all the fun things happening around town. The first meeting on the Eastern Shore and a trip to the bayou disabused him of that idea. He broke down and bought a car. He still, though, can be found taking his three little ones to preschool every morning on the Yuba bike, and then pedaling down Government Street to the office or to one of the coffee shops full of the many local residents he needs to win over to be successful in his mission to save the world… or at least the Bay.
What’s Next For Baykeeper
In the next few years, he plans to recruit and retain a top-notch team, a feat that is often challenging in the nonprofit world where young idealistic employees burn out quickly after being overworked and underpaid, feeling as if they failed to make a difference. “We’ve got to build some continuity.”
To that end, Strickland is using his people skills to fundraise right away. To do that effectively, he needs to model the problems facing the Bay, as complex as they might be, in a way that the public can understand. Then they have to prioritize, and there’s the rub. Some activities, regardless of how noble they are, just aren’t going to help Baykeeper reach its goals. Dropping them is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a practice he learned from Nick Saban himself. Focus on what you can accomplish, and what’s measurable.
“We need to focus,” says Strickland, “on what will make the biggest difference for our waters in the next few years.” He cites the coal ash at Alabama Power’s Plant Berry as the number one issue. “It represents the biggest acute threat to our watershed. Solving that problem is going to have a big impact.”
Strickland explains that the lawsuit over the coal ash is not about the potential for harm, which he says is certainly terrifying, but about the current and ongoing damage. The unlined pits containing toxic heavy metals are polluting the groundwater, which is polluting the river. The proposed plans to cover the pits in place show that it will continue to be in contact with groundwater. As for the idea that the dams could breach and Mobile Bay could be facing a major spill, Strickland says it’s not a matter of if, but when.
“One of the bigger polluters in our state once told a team member, ‘We’re in Montgomery every day, and until you guys are there, you’re never gonna win.’” He shakes his head. “So how do we leverage relationships to where we are able to inform the laws that are passed and how Above The pits of toxic the money and permits are handed coal ash at Alabama Power’s James M. Barry out?” Strickland is using new and Electric Generating Plant old contacts to work on this. on the west bank of the Mobile River are the
With a handful of other hard- number one threat to the working organizations keeping quality of the Bay accordtheir eye on our wildlife and enviing to Mobile Baykeeper’s new director, William ronment, Strickland says a prior- Strickland. Photo courtesy ity is to avoid duplicating services. Mobile Baykeeper. “And we certainly don’t want to have a spirit of competition,” he continues. “There are plenty of obstacles without adding obstacles among ourselves.”
Many of his words sound straight off the sidelines. “You’ve gotta say no to the good, and say yes to the great,” he tells me, referencing efforts to clean up Mobile Bay in a way only a former football player would. “Here’s another Saban-ism,” he tells me. “I never invented anything. I just wanted to do it
PHOTO BY KATHY HICKS
better than anybody else.” Strickland, like Saban, is not antiinnovation, but knows that there are people in other communities who have already solved these same problems. “What has been effective in the Chesapeake? What have they done in Tampa Bay? Let’s bring that here and let’s do it really well for, like, 20 years.” It may be more exciting to look for something new, but he says the chances of success are low. “We’re fine with the proven.”
Right now he sees four main threats to the Bay: sedimentation, low oxygen, high levels of bacteria and heavy metal industrial pollution. Climate change has certainly become a hot-button issue in America, closely associated with party affiliation. But Strickland sees it differently, and hopes area residents will, too. “Those poor oxygen levels are affected by sea level rise. You talk to these guys that live and work on the bayou, and they may not say sea level rise, but they’re saying ‘We’re losing our shorelines. The water’s higher than it was. It’s causing erosion over the oysters I’m raking, or the wetlands down there are being drowned.’ They’ve seen it every day for their whole lives, and so they notice incremental change. These guys know the bay better than I’ll ever know it, and they’re seeing it and saying something.”
Strickland also applauds hunters and fisherman, claiming “hook and bullet conservationists” have been the most effective in our country’s history. “People in the environmental movement often don’t understand that,” he explains, “but sportsmen care more about that animal, that species, than anybody else. They have fallen in love with it. They’ve spent time studying its habits and they appreciate the species more than anyone else.”
He argues that people on the Eastern Shore often have a much better understanding of these things than the people on the Western Shore, and that’s not by accident. “I’m not saying it’s nefarious, but the more eyeballs on something, the better. The Eastern Shore was developed with public waterfront access in mind, and the port of Mobile was not. Lots of cities that
– William Strickland
Above Strickland pedals his three young children to school every morning in Midtown, making the most of a walkable community and instilling a love of nature and the outdoors.
have big ports also have great water access. How do we do that, too?”
Legacy of Life on the Water
These days Strickland is not just worried about a clean place for him to hunt and fish. As a father of three, he is worried about what will be left for his own kids. Thinking back to those days on the Black Warrior with his grandfather, he wonders what narrative he’ll have to tell his twin boys while they fish in their jon boat off the causeway. He hopes his daughter can swim in the Bay and grow up to eat fresh seafood from our waters.
While those hopes and questions remain unanswered, Strickland is enjoying introducing them to life in lower Alabama. “Rootedness is more than just an idea and it deeply matters. You get to know your neighbors and have a sense of place until it becomes a part of your bones.” He bought a shrimp trawl when they moved to town, and his kids love to catch crabs in baskets over the side of the boat. “They do more watching than catching, being preschoolers,” he laughs, “but I can see it all connecting!”
There is hope for a healthy future for Mobile Bay, Strickland reminds us, but there’s also a really depressing vision for the future that he doesn’t want to talk about. “But it exists,” he laments. “And if things continue the way that they’re going … well, if you lose your sea grass, you lose your shrimp. If you lose your shrimp, you lose your other fish populations. We’ve already pretty much lost the tarpon.” Strickland hesitates to elaborate on the kind of Bay that would remain.
“I got to fish with my grandfather. My kids are going to fish with me. I’m concerned about my kids’ kids and my kids’ grandchildren. My hope is that they will have something even better than what my grandfather had, not worse. I hope people can have the imagination for that. Why just protect what’s here? That’s not good enough. Let’s give them something better.” MB
BETH MORRISSETTE ANDREA MOORE
FROM CONCRETE TO HEAVY EQUIPMENT, FIVE LOCAL WOMEN TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS IN TRADITIONALLY MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRIES.
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
text by EMMETT BURNETT • photos by CHAD RILEY
In a 1978 speech, American writer and diversity advocate Marilyn Loden invented the phrase, “glass ceiling.” The term represents the obstacles preventing female employees from breaking through to top-tier jobs. According to the U.S. Government Accountability
Offce statistics, women in management roles from 2010 to 2019 increased by a scant 2%. In 2020, women were paid 72 cents for every dollar men earned.
But women who beat the odds are chipping away at the glass ceiling – including those excelling in male-dominated industries. Take, for example, fve local success stories of wonder women in a man’s domain.
Not long ago, two Mobilians hailed a Chicago taxi. Beth Morrissette and Andrea Moore were in town for one of the largest industrial/masonry trade shows on earth. “Where to ladies?” the driver inquired.
“Take us to World of Concrete,” Moore answered. “Oh, your husbands are in the concrete business?” said the cabbie. “No,” replied the two, “we are.”
Indeed, they are in the concrete business – and paint and coatings, structural strengthening, rust prevention and corrosion materials and much more. Their company, M2 Solutions, works with engineers, architects, manufacturers, government and utilities on diverse projects.
Clients include The Lodge at Gulf State Park, Alabama State Docks, Mobile Area Water and Sewer System and Bryant Denny Stadium, to name a few. But they started from humble beginnings as next-door neighbors.
It began when Morrissette canceled a social event because she was flying to Minneapolis to learn about rust. “Rust? You mean like corrosion?” Moore told her neighbor and added, “If you want to learn about rust, just bring a bottle of wine to my house. I’ll tell you about rust!”
Morrissette attended the Minnesota meeting to help her mom’s industrial packaging business. Moore later attended the rust get-together, too. From that meeting, the two believed there was a niche to be filled and they would do it. M2 Solutions was born in 2018.
Morrissette and Moore hold compatible college degrees: Morrissette’s in business and Moore’s in engineering. “We bring different skill sets to the table,” notes Moore. “We make better decisions together.”
They accept their business as being male-dominated. However, women are making inroads, leaping hurdles along the way.
“I once attended a local concrete seminar,” Moore remembers. “I walked into this room with a long conference table full of men. I was the only woman.”
After the presentation, Moore, the lone female, introduced herself to the speaker. He said, “I was surprised. I didn’t expect you to stay. I thought you were in the wrong room.”
Morrissette adds that once clients find out you do quality work, they no longer care what gender you are.
As advice to other women (also applicable to men) wanting to succeed in business, Moore says, “find your passion. Become the most knowledgeable person about what you are passionate about. Be the expert.”
In addition, Morrissette says, “Have diversity on your team. Include people who are different from you. Have people who are smarter than you.”
Sandy Foster Chief Operating Offcer, Orion Engineers & Constructors
Providing engineering services for energy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, commercial and government, Orion Engineers & Constructors is a leader and Sandy Foster leads Orion.
The Mobile resident’s quest began in childhood.
“Dad was an engineer with a Navy background,” recalls Foster, Orion’s chief operating officer. “As a child, I watched him work and found his job fascinating. His drawings and handwriting were so pristine.”
In college, Foster’s initial interest was medical school but she changed her major to engineering. “That move was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she recalls. “I would never want to do anything else. Problem-solving and engineering is the perfect fit for me.”
The Mobile resident joined Orion as a process engineer and rose through the ranks. She became project engineer, then project manager, and in January 2019, chief operations officer. With her new role, Foster had additional responsibilities – people.
“As an engineer, it’s easy for me to focus on the numbers,” the
SANDY FOSTER
- Sandy Foster
COO says. “But the most important thing I do every day is focus on our employees and the quality of work we do as an organization.”
Foster adds, “It all comes down to good employees. The only way you keep good employees is to make sure they are first. They are the first thing you think of every day.”
Today Foster manages 110 employees throughout three offices: Mobile, Pascagoula and Baton Rouge. She oversees projects in four-plus states.
When she began her career, women engineers were few. “We still need more, but the field is more accessible to women today,” she says. “We must make sure that qualified young women engineers have opportunities for advancement so 20 years from now, they will be leaders.”
Her view on women in a traditionally man’s field: “There is still disparity, but I believe opportunities are better now for women. I had excellent men mentors during my career.”
But she smiles, “Now I have been asked if I am the receptionist. Also, I was once in a car lot and a salesman asked where my husband was.”
When questioned what she would advise young women wanting to follow in her your footsteps,” Foster says, “I would tell them, don’t follow my footsteps. Follow yours.”
She explains, “I would tell young people, especially women, to keep your feet moving. Keep the treadmill going. Continuously work towards the next step in your life. Leave your comfort zone and put yourself out there.” “...I URGE YOUNG WOMEN CONSIDERING BUSINESS LEADERSHIP TO SERVE THEIR CLIENTS AND EMPLOYEES. PRIORITIZE EMPLOYEES’ GROWTH, WELL-BEING, AND EMPOWERMENT.”
- Monique Michele Rogers
Monique Michele Rogers Owner, H&S Commercial and Industrial Supplies and Services
Mobile native, Monique Rogers had a plan. The junior high school girl would one day own not just one business, but many. She realized her destiny at an early age.
“My parents gave us children a chores allowance,” Rogers says. “I saved my allowance. My siblings spent theirs. When it was time to do chores, I hired my siblings to do the work for me.”
Today she runs H&S Commercial and Industrial Supplies and Services. Having moved on from employing her siblings, her business family includes 178 employees.
Her work covers a vast array of supplies and services, including medical and industrial supplies, commercial and industrial cleaning, security, vegetation management, environmental ser-
MONIQUE MICHELE ROGERS
vices, disaster relief services, staffing and construction.
This type of work requires Monique to transition between stilettos shoes to steel-toe boots, often. She is no stranger, though, to making accomodations to fit into a man’s world; she is a long-time member of that club. Before becoming a business owner, Rogers was the first woman employed in Pensacola’s allmale Reichold Chemicals. Later, back to Mobile, she worked for Kerr McGee which was more diverse. Barely. She was one of two women on her shift.
But life changed when Rogers launched All Clean Janitorial from her home. She expanded to the companies she has today, with services and products typically provided by males. And yes, she received pushback from some of those males.
“At times someone would say something disheartening but I look at the individual and not judge people as a whole,” she notes. “We live in teachable moments. I try to be respectful and teach them.”
As a child, she benefited from good parents. “My mom was a housekeeper at the Mobile Infirmary,” the daughter recalls. “She once found a doctor’s wallet, with over a thousand dollars in it. Mom did not touch one thing in that wallet. She turned it in because my parents were people of integrity and honor. I try to run a good business that honors them.”
She offers three-point advice for others, especially young women wanting to start a business:
One: “Shut down external voices and opinions. Listen to the voice that is within, to create a clear plan for your business.”
Two: “Make sure the plan incorporates your vision and goals; contains a strategy to operate in excellence; and fosters great relationships with customers.”
Three: “Servant leadership leads to increased self-efficiency, which in turn enhances employee engagement and performance. Therefore, I urge young women considering business leadership to serve their clients and employees. Prioritize employees’ growth, well-being, and empowerment.”
Cynthia Henderson President, Senior Environmental Engineer, Cypress Environment & Infrastructure
With 21 years of experience, Cynthia Henderson brings a wealth of talent to Cypress Environment & Infrastructure. As an environmental engineer and professional wetland scientist, her expertise includes ecosystem restoration, environmental remediation and regulatory compliance. She is also the company’s president.
“Sometime around my ninth or tenth grade in high school, I discovered my desire to work in engineering of some type,” Henderson recalls. Coming from a family who loved the outdoors, she combined that adoration for nature with another fascination: science.
In 2010, she and business partner Marc Foster founded Cypress Environmental & Infrastructure. Originally the new company was a two-person show. What a difference 12 years make.
In 2022, the company was licensed in five states with offices in four. In addition, Cypress Environment & Infrastructure was named 75th, in Inc. Magazine’s fastestgrowing private companies in the Southeast.
As company president, Henderson has administered projects ranging from river bank mitigation, marsh restoration, species and plant habitat research and a multitude more.
Her status as a woman impacted her career in some ways, but obstacles are fewer now, and she overcame them. According to Henderson, “We do good work. That’s what customers and clients are looking for.” But she does say during the years there were some undertones.
“I was dismissed as that ‘bugs and bunny person,” Henderson recalls. “Or I would get, ‘you don’t look like an engineer.’ I answered back, “What is an engineer supposed to look like? You?”
Henderson, who once undertook a high school project examining data from horse hoofs to determine lameness, has advice for future female engineers.
“If something interests you, don’t worry if someone else thinks you are odd for liking it. Keep moving and keep getting better at what you are doing.” She adamantly believes in not just having a dream, but preparing for it. Be the best at what you do. It builds self-confidence.
“As an environmental engineer there were times when I had my credentials dismissed – again, I was that ‘bugs and bunny person.’ She laughs and recalls, “My response was, ‘You want to underestimate me? Go ahead. This will be fun.’” MB
- Cynthia Henderson
CYNTHIA HENDERSON
A HISTORIAN’S RESTORATION WISH LIST
TEN YEARS ON
A decade ago, MB asked historian John Sledge to share his personal restoration wish list. Happily, the intervening decade has been a strong one for historic preservation in Mobile. Allow us as a brief review of the successes of the past 10 years and a look at what remains in peril.
text by JOHN SLEDGE
Mobile and architecture go way back — like, more than 300 years back. Today, we can still see this history displayed throughout the city, ranging from 1830’s Creole cottages to 1960’s midcentury beach houses, with plenty of noteworthy buildings in between. Each architectural style from each subsequent era brings a unique characteristic to Mobile’s rich culture, such as Greek Revival’s white columns and Queen Anne’s towers and wraparound porches. “Mobile’s architecture is like her people,” says architectural historian Cart Blackwell, “that artful balance of innovation and tradition.” Although the passing years bring with them constant deterioration, the city’s architecture is well-preserved and often maintains the classical identity of each structure. From smallscale residences to large-scale commercial buildings, Mobile Bay is rife with stunning designs, old and new. CHIGAHIZOLA HOUSE
6 South Franklin Street
FOR SALE This circa-1852 two-story brick townhouse sits behind the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and had long been an eyesore. Jacques Chigahizola built it around 1852. As one of the more romantic unrestored residences left in the city, it features a wrought-iron cantilevered balcony, sans wooden decking, and a magnificent battered architrave surrounding its side entrance. Fortunately, it is now for sale, along with much of the rest of the block, which historically served as Hoffman Furniture. The other available properties include 407, 413, and 415 Dauphin, along with 406 Conti on the block’s south side. These buildings are a package deal and represent one of Downtown’s most intact historic ensembles. The asking price is $2.2 million.
PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY
THE KENNEDY HOUSE
607 Government Street
PRESERVED In 1857, Jonathan Emanuel erected this columned gem as a wedding present for his daughter, Mary, and Joshua Kennedy Jr. In its design, the Kennedy House represents a strong blending of Italianate elements with Classical precedent. The two-story stuccoed brick house, with its monumental Tuscan columns and flattened arches, is imposing. Furthermore, its bracketed eaves, rounded windows and doors, and highly decorative interior flourishes, such as elaborately molded, hooded windows, complete with broken pediments, drop pendants and floral motifs, are all more redolent of the Italianate than the Greek Revival.
Shortly after World War II, the house became the headquarters of American Legion Post #3 for decades, but by 2013 was badly deteriorating and its original cast iron fence was lost. Enter the 1857 Foundation, an organization of concerned local business professionals, who successfully partnered with the American Legion and the Mystics of Time Mardi Gras organization to fully refurbish the structure. The $2 million project features exquisite state-of-the-art wood window and plaster restoration, as well as an exact replica of the original cast iron fence.
PHOTO BY DANIEL CURTIS
PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MASTRO
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MASTRO
BARTON ACADEMY AND THE YERBY SCHOOL
504 Government Street
PRESERVED Built in 1836 by a trio of opportunity-seeking New York architects – James Gallier and brothers James and Charles Dakin – Barton Academy has lent its regal presence to busy Government Street ever since. A landmark example of Greek Revival style, it features a columned rotunda floating among the live oak tops, soaring ionic porticoes, symmetrical white lines and distinguished cast-iron fence fronting the broad sidewalk.
Back in 2013, the dedicated members of the Barton Foundation were hard at work raising awareness and money to save one of Mobile’s signature antebellum buildings. Its significant cast iron fence was rusty and broken, and the magnificent columned rotunda was rotting and shedding architectural elements. Now, thanks to the Foundation’s $15 million fund-raising campaign, Barton and the adjacent circa-1900 Yerby School triumphantly reopened last fall as the Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. Even more inspiring than the spruced-up iron gates and gleaming rotunda are the joyous sounds of children’s voices during recess. Downtown is truly back.
ANTOMANCHI STORE 200 St. Emanuel Street PRESERVED Built in 1869 by a Corsican émigré named Charles Antomanchi, the twostory building served as a store (with an apartment above) for many years. Among its commercial incarnations were an upholstery shop, an oyster saloon, a grocery and, during Fort Condé’s first reclamation in the 1970s, an antiques store.
Ten years ago, this two-story 1869 Fort Condé building remained boarded up even as the father/son team of Lawrence and David Posner renovated the surrounding properties. The Posners never wavered in their efforts, however, and Antomanchi Store’s turn finally came. The building now shines as the newly opened Bistro St. Emanuel, a classy culinary complement to the Fort Condé Inn that sits catty-corner. The bistro exudes a convincing 1915 vibe with its retro paintings and wallpaper, and gorgeous quartz-topped bar.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MASTRO
PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY
CHINABERRY 3703 Old Shell Road PRESERVED Designated by a wooden sign along its front eave, the charming Civil War-era Creole cottage long intrigued travelers on Old Shell Road. Philip Pfau built Chinaberry around 1862 and, during the 1950s, Anne Randolph Crichton, whose father founded the town of Crichton, lived here and tended a lovely garden. After years on the market, the building finally sold to the Burton Property Group, which spent three years restoring it. Also preserved are Anne Crichton’s personal landscaping and artistic flourishes. Today, the house, outbuilding and accompanying chapel are all beautifully rehabilitated and in no way overwhelmed by the lot’s artfully blended brick addition and asphalt parking area. The property is currently an office.
PHOTO BY PHOTO BY SHARON WHELTON
ISLE DAUPHINE CLUB
100 Orleans Avenue, Dauphin Island
PRESERVED Nestled amid the dunes and facing the Gulf of Mexico, the Isle Dauphine Club opened in 1957, and its concentric lines and elegant styling perfectly conjure the “Mad Men” era. Mobile architect Arch Winter, who was on the design team, described the place as “a precisely articulated system of circles” like one would find in “a fine Swiss watch.” Among the many delightful features are a spiral staircase, iron handrails, mahogany trim, a wonderful terrace with sweeping beach views, the old Tiki Bar’s exposed beams arranged in a wheel pattern on the circular ceiling, plate glass windows and doors, and a round swimming pool.
In 2013, this mid-20th-century modern building’s fate was uncertain. Today, that is no longer the case. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, the club remains the centerpiece for an 18-hole gulf-front golf course. Among the site’s amenities are the usual stunning views, a swimming pool, and Pirates Bar and Grill, situated in the historic old tiki bar upstairs. AMERICAN LEGION 700 S. Mobile Steet, Fairhope UNDER RENOVATION In 1912, prominent Mobile architect George Rogers built this two-story frame building as a summer retreat for the Women’s Club of Mobile. It featured glorious double-decked wraparound porches facing the Bay, banks of full-height doors and massive hip roof dormers with casement windows. In a stiff breeze, standing inside this building must have felt like being in a wind tunnel, just what one desired in the days before air-conditioning.
The building has long served as the headquarters for American Legion Post 199, but it was badly clobbered by Hurricane Sally in 2020. Passersby can still see several blue tarps on the roof, but the future looks bright. The Legion received $100,000 recently from the state of Alabama and the City of Fairhope to help repair the damage and is in the midst of a broad fundraising campaign, with an overall goal of $3 million. Stay tuned.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MASTRO
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MASTRO
WRECK OF THE RACHEL
Fort Morgan Road at mile marker 6, on the beach
NO CHANGE. When storms uncovered the ribbing of this historic shipwreck, fanciful speculation ran wild. Intrigued observers imagined everything from an old blockade-runner or a pirate ship to a rumrunner. The reality, as it turns out, is that this vessel was an early 20th-century lumber schooner, built on the Mississippi coast in 1918 and wrecked during an October hurricane in 1923. Fortunately, all the crew escaped, but the Rachel was a total loss, and a subsequent fire burned her to the keel.
Periodically covered and uncovered with sand in its dynamic coastal environment, the ship is now exposed. This lumber schooner’s keel remains on site, periodically covered and uncovered by sand, and scavenged by beachcombers and curiosity-seekers. There are no current plans to salvage the wreck.
So, six preserved out of my original 10 ain’t bad. And of the remaining four, two look hopeful (Chigahizola House and Fairhope’s American Legion) and only two remain obviously imperiled (Basil Street residence and the shipwreck). Which begs the question: What would I wish to see restored next? To fully cover that is another article, but in brief, Mobile Bay’s rich maritime history deserves celebration and protection. This includes not only the recently discovered Clotilda (placed on the National Register in 2021) but the wrecks of the blockade runner Ivanhoe in Gulf Shores, the schooner Chiquimula (owned during the 1920s by Jimmy Buffett’s grandfather) in Spanish Fort, the Rebel ironclads CSS Huntsville and CSS Tuscaloosa (placed on National Register 2022) in the Mobile River, and a host of unsung pirogues, lumber barges, tugboats, skiffs, and steamboats whose planking and ribbing sometimes peeks above the surface at low tide. These historic maritime artifacts are a priceless legacy and an important reminder that Mobile is, and always has been, a maritime city.
John S. Sledge is working on a book about Mobile and Havana’s centuries-long shared history.
AHMED ABDALLA
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Clinical Oncology, USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute Ahmed came from Sudan to the United States in order to contribute to cancer research, and since joining USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute in early 2022, he has established a strong reputation throughout the region as a gastrointestinal medical oncology expert. He has been working to establish a portfolio of clinical trials to give local patients access to preliminary studies that test new therapies. Though his primary focus is on local patients, his knowledge reaches far beyond the Gulf Coast region. He has authored studies and conducted extensive research in his area of expertise as well as reviewing several scholarly journals, benefitting a wider audience. ALMA MATER University of Khartoum, Sudan HOMETOWN Omdurman, Sudan SPOUSE + CHILDREN Shima Sidahmed; Ayman (6), Mohamed (1)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Dauphin’s. I love the view.
IF I WERE MAYOR, I WOULD
Work hard to ensure that everyone gets a good education, health services and feels safe.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Be persistent to reach your goal and continue to be humble.
ERIN DELAPORTE LINDSEY W. BEAKLEY, M.D.
Breast Surgical Oncologist, Southern Cancer Center Lindsey was the first fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist in the Mobile area, and patients travel from all over the Gulf Coast to seek her expertise. She is certified as a “SCOUT” wirefree radar localization provider, a stateof-the-art technique that allows her to use radar to precisely mark, locate and remove cancerous tissue, preserving the breast and minimizing scarring. In 2021, she earned the 5-Star PRC Excellence Award for scoring in the top 10% nationally for patient satisfaction. Dedicated to cancer fundraising and education, she speaks at Bra’s across the Causeway and ACS’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. ALMA MATER Trinity University; Louisiana State University HOMETOWN Mandeville, Louisiana HOBBIES Exercise, scuba diving and skiing
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
International Spy
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED You can do anything you set your mind to GUILTY PLEASURE: Homemade chocolate lava cake
IF MOBILE HAD A MOUNT RUSHMORE, WHO WOULD YOU
PUT ON IT? Jean-Babtiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the French explorer who put Mobile on the map
JUSTINE HERLIHY BIXLER
Vice President of Resource Development, United Way of Southwest Alabama After graduating from the University of Alabama, Justine brought her talents back to her hometown. She started her career at Cunningham Bounds and continued to Mobile Baykeeper before joining United Way of Southwest Alabama in 2019. She is now responsible for over $3 million in revenue generation on an annual basis. She also manages partnerships to increase the funding of 46 nonprofit partners, over 100 programs and over 207,000 people across Southwest Alabama annually. She is involved with various organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mobile United, and uses her organization skills as the alumni council chair at St. Paul’s Episcopal School. ALMA MATER Mary B. Austin Elementary; St. Paul’s Episcopal School; University of Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Ryan; Betsy (1)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club for a bacon cheeseburger and Felix’s overlooking the Bay for their freshcatch almondine.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A veterinarian, but then I realized I would have to go to Auburn…
ERIN DELAPORTE BRANDON F. BODIE, M.D.
Internal Medicine Physician, Alabama Medical Group After just a little over a year of private practice in Mobile, Brandon is becoming a standout to his coworkers and clientele in the area. He completed his residency at LSU Health in Baton Rouge, rotating at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. It was at the health system that he made history by being the first resident ever to be selected to receive the Franciscan Service Award, which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the ordinary for their patients and coworkers. That spirit has accompanied him to Mobile, much to the delight of professionals and patients alike — his nominator writes, “Dr. Bodie’s energy and resilience for life is contagious.” ALMA MATER Auburn University; UAB Heersink School of Medicine HOMETOWN Mobile
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Primary care clinic is such a privilege. I love walking alongside my patients, offering encouragement and recommendations of best practices for healthy living. HIDDEN TALENTS I once learned to tap dance for a fundraising event.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED: In the Old Testament, the second half of Micah 6:8: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Regional Talent Acquisition Manager, Canfor Thomas has the distinction of previously bring the first corporate staffing recruiter at Canfor, creating and implementing the company’s first standardized recruiting process. Now, with the use of that same system, he oversees hiring and recruitment for the new Deridder Sawmill, Canfor’s first greenfield project, in addition to positions at 15 other sawmills and two corporate offices in the United States. He is passionate about forming relationships with high schools throughout the region and building scholarship opportunities with HBCUs as well as increasing veteran hires. He is the chair of the Black Impact Group at Canfor, where he has headed several companywide initiatives and events. ALMA MATER McGill-Toolen High School; University of Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile CHILDREN Everett Buchanan (6)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
One of our local breweries and Bluegill, which has the best atmosphere
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A sports journalist
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Be present in every moment because the next moment is not guaranteed.
THOMAS BUCHANAN ASHLEIGH BUTTS-WILKERSON, M.D.
Family Medicine Physician, Diagnostic and Medical Clinics Infirmary Health Ashleigh earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama in 2012 and completed her education as chief resident in family medicine with the university in 2015. She practices with Diagnostic and Medical Clinics, where she sees the entire spectrum of family members, from young to old. In addition to physical health, she invests in the spiritual health of her community, particularly to young people. She and her husband are the youth pastors for Oak Park Church. ALMA MATER University of South Alabama HOMETOWN Frankville, AL SPOUSE + CHILDREN Jeremy; Ansleigh (9), Asher (7), Atalie (3) GUILTY PLEASURE Anything from Flour Girls Bakery, Yellowhammer Coffee or Piped Dreams Macarons. I love sweets and Mobile has some of the best.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? I have always wanted to be a physician. My mom tells of how even at 3 I would say I wanted to be a doctor.
WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE MOBILE TO SOMEONE WHO’D NEVER BEEN
HERE BEFORE? Eventful. There’s always something going on.
ERIN DELAPORTE BRENT DAUGHERTY
Director of Technology / Head Boy’s Golf Coach, UMS Wright Preparatory School Brent is committed to keeping UMS Wright Preparatory School current on the latest technological advances and to preparing students for an ever-evolving technological world. Therefore, when COVID-19 struck, the school, students and staff were not flummoxed. Under Brent’s guidance, the entire faculty and student body had already implemented an iPad and laptop instructional process, and students were able to easily transition to online learning and able to stay emotionally connected during a difficult time. Outside the classroom, Brent is the UMS Boy’s Golf Coach and an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. ALMA MATER Lee University; University of West Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE Bradley Headrick Daughtery HOBBIES Golf, hunting, sound engineer at church
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? Anything in the health field because I love math and science; however, I fell in love with coaching and teaching while in college.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB The positive relationships you build with the students, parents, teachers and staff last a lifetime.
JAY DAVISON, P.E.
Alabama Construction Engineering and Inspection Manager, Thompson Engineering Jay oversees more than 40 engineers and inspectors across the Southeast and is responsible for more than 6 million dollars in annual revenue in his role managing the Alabama operations for the Transportation Division. He was selected as an honoree in Business Alabama and Alabama AGC’s Top 40 under 40 in Commercial Construction. He is also a recipient of the Thompson Engineering “Ownership” award, which recognizes an employee who “takes initiative to create positive results.” Jay is a member of the Mobile Infirmary Ambassadors Program and supports the American Cancer Society in its “Real Men Wear Pink” awareness and money campaign. ALMA MATER University of Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Laura Urquhart Davison; Timothy Paul Davison II “T” (13), William Murray Davison “Murray” (12)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
NOJA
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? Fireman
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Meeting different people and building relationships.
LASHERYL M. DOTCH, ESQ.
Attorney / City Prosecutor / COO, The Esquiress LLC / City of Prichard / Gulf Coast Challenge LaSheryl is a force to be reckoned with — at just 33 years old, she is an attorney, a city prosecutor and chief operating officer. Under her leadership, the City of Prichard instituted an amnesty program, allowing business owners to obtain a current business license and settle all fines and penalty fees. She was named as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Black Lawyers in Alabama and is active in the community as a member of various organizations, including the National Association of Women Business Owners, Order of Fuse and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. ALMA MATER Auburn University HOMETOWN Mobile
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I’ve always wanted to be an attorney.
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
It depends on what they have a taste for. For barbeque, it would be Rodgers BBQ. For seafood, I would take them to DIP Seafood.
IF I WERE MAYOR, I WOULD
Host forums throughout the year on civics to clarify and educate any questions or concerns the constituents may have pertaining to local government and the election process.
ERIN DELAPORTE MIRIAM FRY
Director of Government Relations, Poarch Band of Creek Indians Prior to her role of representing the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s federally recognized American Indian tribe, Miriam served the state for over eight years as Congressman Bradley Byrne’s Senior Legislative Assistant, providing guidance on Native American issues and all business before the Committee on Education and Labor. She drafted the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act, which passed unanimously and was signed into law on April 3, 2017. Miriam is an active member of Springhill Avenue Temple, a member of Coastal 150 and completed Leadership Mobile’s Class of 2022 program. ALMA MATER University of Alabama HOMETOWN Daphne HOBBIES Golfing, baking, cooking FIRST JOB Target cashier
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? A teacher
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Bluegill
IF I WERE MAYOR I WOULD
Develop a portion of our beautiful waterfront with restaurants and shops
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB: Meeting leaders and lawmakers across the state.
JAMES GALLÉ, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist, Ascension Providence James is a board-certified radiation oncologist who introduced new technologies to Ascension Providence that make radiation therapy safer, more effective and easier on cancer patients. His research has been published in multiple cancer journals, and he was a three-time finalist for the Nappie award, “Best Doctor to Kick Cancer’s Ass.” James has also led a partnership with Urology Associates to provide radiation injections to treat advanced prostate cancer. In his spare time, James is an assistant coach of his son’s T-ball team and serves as a volunteer lecturer for Alabama Cancer Registrars. ALMA MATER UMS Wright; Louisiana State University, University of South Alabama College of Medicine HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Cameron; James (6), Anne Maddox (5), Owen (3), Baby Girl Gallé (coming soon)
IF I WERE MAYOR, I WOULD
Add a recreational boat dock on the river Downtown. I would love to be able to take a boat from Dog River or across the Bay, tie up and walk down Dauphin Street to lunch. HIDDEN TALENTS I am a pretty good cook. One of my specialties is chili, and my team won first place in the wild game division at ACS Chili Cookoff this year.
COBY N. HARRISON, M.D.
Internal Medicine Physician, Diagnostic and Medical Clinic / Mobile Infirmary Medical Center Coby is a 2004 graduate of Baker High School and completed a Bachelor of Science with Spring Hill College in 2008. She received her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012. Following the completion of medical school, she returned home to Mobile for her residency with the University of South Alabama. A board-certified internal medicine physician with Diagnostic and Medical Clinic, she led the development of testing procedures and safety protocols during the pandemic and established DMC’s respiratory evaluation centers in Mobile and Baldwin counties. For this, she received the outstanding citizenship award in 2021. ALMA MATER Baker High School; Spring Hill College; UAB School of Medicine HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Dr. Jason Harrison; James (23), Matthew (21), Madison (8), Abigail (5), Caroline (3)
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A veterinarian or a doctor
WHERE WOLD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
The Royal Scam
HIGH SCHOOL SUPERLATIVE
Best Hair
ANTWAN J. HOGUE, M.D.
Physician / Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama A Class of 2008 and 2012 alum of the University of South Alabama, Antwan returned as a full-time faculty member in 2016 after completing his residency at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Born and raised in Mobile, he serves alongside his wife as cofounder of Project INSPIRE, USA Health’s hospital-based injury prevention program which was specifically designed to curb youth gun violence. He has been the recipient of several honors, including the Red Sash Award, which is awarded by the graduating USA College of Medicine class to select faculty members for their outstanding teaching efforts. ALMA MATER John L. LeFlore High School; University of South Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Ashley Williams, MD; Amarii (10), Ava (5), Atlas (2) HOBBIES Rehabbing homes, playing piano/keyboard, drums, traveling
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Chuck’s Fish
WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE MOBILE TO SOMEONE WHO’D NEVER BEEN
HERE BEFORE? Welcoming.
JOE JERNIGAN
Senior Vice President, Dortch Figures & Sons “Every project Mr. Jernigan has been a part of over his 13-year career has been completed safe, on time and under budget in design and construction,” writes Joe’s nominator. This, coupled with his high school superlative of “Most Dependable,” paints a clear picture of how Joe approaches his work. He began his career with Kiewit on the $600 million ICC/MD200 DesignBuild project in Silver Springs, Maryland, one of the state’s biggest designbuild projects. He has won multiple awards. Since joining Dortch Figures & Sons last February, he is working to develop two new divisions. ALMA MATER Florida State HOMETOWN Milton, FL SPOUSE + CHILDREN Ashley; Christian (4), Cayden (3), Carter (1.5), Riley (coming soon)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
The Hope Farm
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? A football player or pilot, then an engineer
IF MOBILE HAD ITS OWN MT. RUSHMORE, WHO WOULD YOU
PUT ON IT? Hank Aaron, Lonnie Johnson (inventor of the Super Soaker), Joseph Stillwell Cain, Jr., Winston Groom.
TAYLOR B. JOHNSON
Partner, Burr & Forman, LLP Since graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law, where she was a senior editor of the “Alabama Law Review,” Taylor has made quite a splash. A partner at Burr & Forman, she has been named to Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation and as a Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Star in Commercial Litigation. She is an active member of the Mobile Bar Association Women Lawyers and is partner liaison to her firm’s younger associate attorneys in Mobile. She was a member of Leadership Mobile, Class of 2020, and is the president of the Mobile Vanderbilt Alumni Chapter. ALMA MATER Vanderbilt University; University of Alabama School of Law HOMETOWN Birmingham SPOUSE + CHILDREN Russ; Rex (6), Margot (4) GUILTY PLEASURE Buying a paperback novel at the airport every time I fly somewhere
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Getting to research and become an “expert” about the most random things.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED If you want your home state to be a vibrant, fun place to live, choose to invest your talents here to make it happen.
ERIN DELAPORTE JOSHUA JONES, M.A. HSCO
Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator, City of Mobile At just 34 years old, Joshua has had a career that many only dream of. Before stepping into his current position in 2022, he served as a criminal investigator and special agent in the United States Secret Service. Before that, he was a Mobile police officer and served in the Alabama Army National Guard. He founded the Santa with a Badge program designed to provide Christmas gifts and positive encounters with law enforcement for youth in high-risk areas. A graduate of the University of South Alabama, he is a board member with the USA Black Alumni Association and a USA Lifetime Alumni. ALMA MATER Alcorn State University; University of South Alabama; Liberty University HOMETOWN San Antonio, TX SPOUSE + CHILDREN Alicia Evans; Ava (8), Eva (8), Mia (6)
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Every day there’s an opportunity to effect change. GUILTY PLEASURE I am a crazy Tootsie Roll lover. It’s bad…real bad!
HIGH SCHOOL SUPERLATIVE
Class clown and most likely to star in a movie.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Keep going!
EMILY KILLION
Senior Legal Counsel, Employee Relations, Airbus Americas, Inc. Emily is in the unique position of being the only internal employment lawyer for Airbus, and, according to her nominator, is making a significant impact. During her six years at Burr Forman, she litigated many cases and, since joining Airbus in 2021, she has built relationships and credibility within the company. She has developed and delivered training to over 20 HR colleagues and played a big role in the development and execution of Airbus’ hybrid remote working policy in the U.S. Outside of work, she is on the Board of Directors of the History Museum of Mobile and is the president of the Mobile Bar Association Women Lawyers. ALMA MATER University of Alabama; University of Alabama School of Law HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Ryan; Annie (3), Ellis (1)
WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE MOBILE TO SOMEONE WHO’D NEVER BEEN
HERE BEFORE? Jubilee. Mobile is a place that knows how to celebrate and Mobile Bay is one of only two places in the world that experiences the maritime jubilee phenomenon.
DENISE KING
Project Manager / Professional Civil Engineer, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC Denise leads her organization’s infrastructure team, serving public sector clients throughout the Gulf Coast and managing more than $20 million of design and construction projects each year. She served as the project manager for the Riveria Utilities Wastewater upgrade, which received multiple international awards for sustainability and reduced energy expenditure. She was the project manager for the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System’s sewer improvements along Three Mile Creek, helping impaired and threatened waters. Denise also promotes women in engineering, conducting speaking engagements at Davidson High School’s STEM program and the University of South Alabama’s Society of Women Engineers. ALMA MATER Florida State HOMETOWN Crestview, FL CHILDREN Franklin (8), Hayes (5) HOBBIES Traveling, reading, being outdoors with my boys, learning to make new cocktails, cooking and enjoying time with my friends and family. HIDDEN TALENTS People reading: For better or worse, my first impression is usually correct. GUILTY PLEASURE A hot bath and a new true crime podcast
ERIN DELAPORTE NATE MCMULLIN
President, Limitless Homes, LLC For Nate, building camaraderie within his team and a never-quit attitude have grown Limitless Homes to a projected 100 percent year-over-year growth in 2022. He started at the company in 2020 and became president in 2021, expanding the team from a staff of five to 12 full-time employees, who work to build a combination of upscale inventory homes and custom or semicustom homes along the Eastern Shore and Alabama Gulf Coast. Nate is also the Executive Officer of his unit in the United States Army Reserves and is responsible for 134 officers. In his spare time, he is active in his church, Church of the Highlands, and runs in races to raise money for charitable causes. ALMA MATER University of Alabama.; Troy University HOMETOWN Montgomery SPOUSE + CHILDREN Courtney McMullin; Mary Lauren (5), Whit (2), Riggins (1) HIDDEN TALENTS Juggling, amatuer artist, above-average wedding dancer
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? Army Ranger/Army Green Beret /Navy Seal (at the same time)
IF I WERE MAYOR, I WOULD
Create more recreation opportunities such as a white-water rafting course located near Downtown.
CHANDRA T. MOTLEY
Community Outreach Specialist, The First Bank Chandra has been in the banking industry for almost a decade. Since starting at The First Bank in 2015, she has worked her way up and currently serves as the community outreach specialist where she is responsible for implementing financial education, managing programs for bank markets, creating and dispersing community outreach programs and working with nonprofit, government and philanthropic leaders. She is active in the community and has held several leadership roles in the Junior League of Mobile. Chandra was the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Chair during the 2021-2022 year and facilitated a panel discussion on DEI for members. She won Active of the Year in 2022 and is currently the community coordinating manager for the 2022-2023 year for the organization. ALMA MATER McGill-Toolen Catholic High School; University of South Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Working on a team of highly motivated people that are passionate about our company, our customers and the communities we serve. I love the impact I am able to make in the community in which I live and serve. I am passionate about being the change you want to see. GUILTY PLEASURE Instagram and YouTube
VIRGINIA O’BRIEN
Vice President, Mobile Bay Financial Solutions Virginia, representing the fourth generation in her family to join the firm, boasts over 10 years of experience providing financial strategies for her clients, from group health plans to life insurance to retirement planning. She also shares her financial expertise with the masses via her weekly appearance on “The Uncle Henry Show.” She is a vestry of St. Paul’s Church, Chairwoman of the SPC Early Education Center Sponsorship Committee and a board member of the Coastal Conservation Association of Mobile. She was a candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2014 Man and Woman of the Year for her fundraising efforts. ALMA MATER University of Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Grey; Nellie (4), Charlie (3)
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
Veterinarian
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Treat every person who walks through the door as if they are the most important client; it doesn’t matter if they have $5 or $5 million. They have all worked hard for it and deserve the same amount of attention. GUILTY PLEASURE Italian Cream Cake from Bake My Day HIDDEN TALENT I’m good at doing hair up-do’s. It comes in handy during Mardi Gras season.
ERIN DELAPORTE MAGGIE E. OLIVER
Vice President, Communcations and Federal A airs, Alabama Port Authority Maggie was the senior director of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce when the Alabama State Port Authority recruited her to the position of Director of Internal/External Affairs. Maggie brought her advocacy for the local community and Port of Mobile to the organization, and she was quickly promoted to Vice President of Communications and Federal Affairs where she works with both local and statewide elected officials. Maggie is the president of the National Board of Directors for Distinguished Young Women and is a member of Fuse Factory, which benefits underserved communities. ALMA MATER The University of Mississippi; Georgetown University HOMETOWN Jackson, Mississippi SPOUSE + CHILDREN Major Todd A Oliver, USMC; Golden Retrievers: Winnie (2), Wheezy (1)
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? The Pink Power Ranger
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Never leave the house without your lipstick on (mom, obviously)
HIGH SCHOOL SUPERLATIVE
Most likely to have an opinion.
IF MOBILE HAD ITS OWN MT. RUSHMORE, WHO WOULD YOU
PUT ON IT? Everyone who works behind the scenes to make the Mardi Gras magic happen.
COUNCILMAN CORY PENN
Councilman, City of Mobile Cory is dedicated to serving the youth of Mobile through ministry and advocacy. The ordained minister serves as Director of the Kiwanis Branch of the Boys and Girls Club, where he was named Youth Development Professional of the Year. During his time as leader of the Right Way Christian Center’s youth, outreach expanded, and membership grew from 20 to over 300 members. Cory is a graduate of Leadership Mobile (2021) and a board member of the Mobile Community Action organization. As a city councilman, Penn continues to implement uplifting, positive youth programming for the people of District 1. ALMA MATER Stillman College HOMETOWN Prichard SPOUSE + CHILDREN Ivonza; Kori (8), Caleb (5)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST OUT TO
EAT? SOCU GUILTY PLEASURE Pizza
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB I love serving my community and building relationships with people in it. HIDDEN TALENT I can work on my phone, listen to my wife, watch a football game and play with my kids at the same time.
IF MOBILE HAD A MOUNT RUSHMORE, WHO WOULD YOU
PUT ON IT? Hank Aaron, Senator Michael Figures, General Gary Cooper, Lonnie Johnson
BEN PERCIVAL, CPO/L
Clinical Director/Market Leader, AALOS Prosthetics and Orthotics Starting in his college days as a fabrication technician, Ben worked his way up through every position in his field from technician to clinician. Today, Ben manages the care of patients with amputations and other orthopedic, vascular and neurologic issues. With clinics located on both sides of the Bay, Ben focuses on using the latest technology to improve mobility and quality of life for patients and supports his staff in always putting patients first. When not at work, Ben coaches youth soccer and baseball. ALMA MATER Northwestern University HOMETOWN Dallas, TX SPOUSE + CHILDREN Nicole; Connor (8), Wyatt (2) HOBBIES Watching football, brewing beer, finding new obscure places to eat GUILTY PLEASURE Pizza
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A garbage man so I could ride on the back of the truck.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Having patients roll in in a wheelchair and then walk out with a prosthesis. There is nothing better than that.
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST OUT TO
EAT? Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs
HIGH SCHOOL SUPERLATIVE
Most likely to eat an entire pizza.
JENNIFER MOORE PERRY, CAP, OP, PM
EPC Project Coordinator, Hargrove Engineers PC Project, Hargrove Engineers and Constructors Jennifer facilitates Project Coordination for Hargrove’s EPC team, including engineering, procurement and construction, and serves as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of EPC Services. She is known for her ability to strengthen project execution consistency throughout the country and promote a smooth transition from the engineering to the construction phase of the company’s projects. She is the first to pioneer and implement innovative organizational practices and is dedicated to continuously improving team procedures. Jennifer also volunteers with Junior Achievement and teaches dance classes children ages four and five. ALMA MATER Spring Hill College HOMETOWN Theodore (Fowl River) SPOUSE Chris HOBBIES Raising chickens, gardening, tap dancing and watching Alabama football
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? An astronaut (I thought freeze-dried ice cream sounded cool).
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST OUT TO
EAT? Start at Haberdasher, then grab some crawfish at R&R Seafood and finish the night with Las Floriditas.
ERIN DELAPORTE ZACHARY D. REARDON, M.D.
Urologist, Urology Associates of Mobile In addition to a busy surgery practice where Zach uses minimally invasive techniques to treat benign and cancerrelated urologic conditions, he also serves as the Director of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic at Urology Associates. In this role, he helps men navigate the more complex phases of metastatic and hormone-refractory prostate cancer treatment. The practice is one of the largest, most advanced in the region. Zach also runs a clinic in Grove Hill once a month so rural patients have access to urologic care. He coaches youth baseball at Mobile Municipal Park and helps fundraise for his kids’ schools. ALMA MATER Birmingham-Southern College; University of Alabama School of Medicine; Vanderbilt University HOMETOWN Fort Meyers, Florida SPOUSE + CHILDREN Erin; Jack (9), Manning (7), Molly (5), Graham (3) GUILTY PLEASURE Bourbon, hunting, college football Saturdays
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF- TOWN GUEST TO
EAT? Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, or if weather permits, pack a cooler and boat to Sand Island
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Character is who you are when no one is looking.
Security Administration Manager/ DFSO, Austal USA Catherine joined the Austal USA security team in 2014, and her determination, drive for self-improvement and inspiring leadership approach has made an impact. She has helped the company win new contracts by incorporating security requirements in the proposal phase of new business opportunities. A graduate of Bayside Academy, she was inducted in the Bayside Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for her accomplishments as a Bayside High School Swimmer and Cross Country Runner in 2012. Catherine is going on her fourth year as the coach for the Bayshore High School Swim Team, which has won several titles under her leadership. ALMA MATER Samford University HOMETOWN Daphne SPOUSE + CHILDREN Jonathan; Beau (9), Tucker (7)
WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE MOBILE TO SOMEONE WHO’D NEVER BEEN
HERE BEFORE? Azaleas. In March, Mobile comes to life when thousands of Azaleas start blooming which means warm weather and sunshine.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED The two things in life you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort.
CATHERINE WILKINS REYNOLDS KRISTEN ROBERTS, CPA
Assistant Vice President, Finance and Administration, University of South Alabama At 39, Kristen is the youngest person to hold the position of controller at the University of South Alabama throughout its almost 60-year history. In her role, she manages the financial statements of USA and USA Health, which has a combined total of 9,000 employees and an annual payroll over $680 million. She also has direct oversight of an annual budget of $1.25 billion. Unsurprisingly, she was selected to be a part of USA’s Leadership South program. She represents the university on several internal and external committees, including being a member of the Human Resources Task Force. ALMA MATER University of Alabama HOMETOWN Mobile SPOUSE + CHILDREN Mark; Mary McRaney (10), Camilla (7), Porter (5)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Red or White
IF I WERE MAYOR, I WOULD
Continue to invest in parks, green space, walking trails and bike paths. I’d love to see the Downtown waterfront developed.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Act like you’ve been there before and always look someone in the eyes when you’re talking to them.
ERIN DELAPORTE RACHEL ROMASH-REESE
Owner, Elite Real Estate Solutions Rachel was just 20 years old when she began her career in real estate. In 2013, she opened Elite Real Estate Solutions with only one employee. Now, with over 100 agents and offices in Daphne, Loxley and Orange Beach, her business is in the top 1% of Baldwin County real estate brokerages for units sold. Rachel earned the “Good Neighbor Award” from the Baldwin Realtor Association in 2018 and will serve as president of the association in 2023. Rachel volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Prodisee Pantry, and Impact 100. She also founded Elite Gives Back in 2019, which donated $75,000 to charitable organizations since its inception. ALMA MATER Stony Brook University HOMETOWN Mahopac, NY SPOUSE + CHILDREN John Mark; Brycen (11), Jayden (8), Bentley (5)
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Sunset Pointe HIDDEN TALENTS My passion has always been helping others, especially single mothers. I have an unparalleled ability to find solutions to unique situations with tools I’ve gained through my life experiences
HIGH SCHOOL SUPERLATIVE
Most likely to succeed, most honest and the most athletic. GUILTY PLEASURE Reality TV and eating ice cream
Attorney, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC Eddie represents and advises clients on transactional and business matters with a focus on real estate deals involving land use planning. He uses his litigation experience to advise clients on legal risks and practical outcomes of contractual agreements. Each year from 2016 to 2021, he has been selected a Mid-South Rising Star by Super Lawyers and has been awarded one of Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch, Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation” three times. He served as a board member of Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation and was a member of the Bayshore Christian School Board. ALMA MATER The University of Georgia; Cumberland School of Law at Samford University HOMETOWN Roswell, GA SPOUSE + CHILDREN Laura; Veda (11) and Ruby (9) FIRST JOB I worked as a Ham Sales Associate at Heavenly Ham. It was a successful day if I sold more than I ate.
IF I WERE MAYOR I WOULD
Create a task force to investigate how to remove the Bankhead Tunnel from iMaps, Waze and Google Maps.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB I enjoy getting to work with an amazing group of people who share my passion helping our clients in whatever need arises to provide advice that helps facilitate the success of their business.
EDDIE ROWE ADAM STEPHENS
Executive Chef, The Hope Farm Taking over as executive chef at a popular Fairhope restaurant can be daunting, but Adam has shown he is more than up to the task. Working at The Hope Farm for the past year, he has brought over 20 years of culinary experience to the table. Following his childhood dream of becoming a chef, and prior to moving to Alabama for his current position, he worked in various restaurants, a majority of which were fine dining establishments. It is with that training, expertise and attention to detail that he approaches the menu and service at The Hope Farm, with wonderful results. HOMETOWN Clearwater, FL SPOUSE Emily
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB The opportunity to connect with people through food and cooking. It’s a unique experience when you put so much love into something only to have it consumed.
WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE MOBILE TO SOMEONE WHO’D NEVER BEEN
HERE BEFORE? Unexpected
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED You’re not here to get out of anyone’s way, and the only one that can stand in your way is you.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a chef since I was 8 years old. I’m fulfilling my childhood dream.
DAVID TRICE JR.
Associate Attorney, Armbrecht Jackson LLP David enjoys taking on new challenges whether it is defending a high-stakes malpractice case or volunteering in an estate case. Regardless of the endeavor, David has built a reputation for being client-focused and results-driven in state and federal courts. He serves as co-chair of the Mobile Bar Association’s Mentoring Committee and provides pro bono legal assistance through the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program. As the son and husband of physicians, he supports an interest in all things medical; he is an active member of the Mobile Medical Museum. ALMA MATER University of Georgia; Cumberland School of Law HOMETOWN Fairhope SPOUSE + CHILDREN Celeste Sullivan Trice; David Trice III (4) FIRST JOB Construction at Kelley Builders
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB? Working with clients to understand and appreciate our justice system.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED To thine own self be true.
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST OUT TO
EAT? NoJa. HIDDEN TALENTS I love music and I’m always putting together playlists to enjoy with friends. I’m also very good at finding my wife a new favorite TV series to watch. Some of our favorites are Homeland, Bosch and Billions.
ERIN DELAPORTE JENNA JAYJOHN YORK
Attorney, Cunningham Bounds, LLC After graduating in the top 8% of her class, Jenna joined the firm Cunningham Bounds. In just three years, she has taken scores of depositions, tried five cases that resulted in cumulative awards of over $2 million and served as the lead trial attorney for the first all-female trial team in the history of the firm. Outside of the courthouse, Jenna is a member of the MBA Association of Young Lawyers and the MBA Women Lawyers. She is also an active member of the Fuse Project, benefitting children along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. ALMA MATER Troy University; Cumberland School of Law at Samford University HOMETOWN Daphne SPOUSE + CHILDREN Andrew; Dansby (3-year-old Golden Retriever), Arya (2-year-old German Shepherd) FIRST JOB Hostess at the Original Oyster House on the Causeway
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? I didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I was competitive and always wanted to win. GUILTY PLEASURE Binge-watching a new TV show
IF I WERE MAYOR I WOULD
Keep investing in the downtown area and focus on supporting restaurants and other small businesses
WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST TO EAT?
Vandal’s Street Kitchen
DR. ANTONIO WILLIAMS
Principal, John L. LeFlore Magnet High School Since arriving at John L. LeFlore Magnet High School in 2021, Antonio has made academic excellence and creative learning his focus, utilizing prior experience as a high school and middle school principal, assistant principal and history teacher to propel him. At the conclusion of his first year as principal at LeFlore, he was tasked with leading the “Rediscovering Excellence” campaign, the goal of which is creating a magnet high school with a focus on the arts. His nominator says Antonio handled the transition with grace, compassion and integrity. During his career, he has been recognized with several awards, including Alabama PTA Administrator of the Year and the Gentleman Quarterly Humanitarian Achievement Award. ALMA MATER Sidney Lanier High School; University of Montevallo; Alabama State University HOMETOWN Montgomery SPOUSE + CHILDREN Latoya; Aryn (17), Alana (12)
FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR
JOB Inspiring youth
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU GREW UP? A teacher. I began my profession in the the Montgomery public schools in 2005.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER
RECEIVED Be where your feet are and focus on what is in front of you.
