NEWS RELEASE
New Officers Elected for the 2019 ACE Program
Contact: Ms. Sidney Hoover, (205) 567-3248
As the Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) begins its 17th year of assisting selected smaller Alabama communities reach their economic potential, we welcome the incoming 2019 officers, while at the same time expressing our gratitude and thanks to the 2018 officers who worked to expand the ACE program. We are very proud of the 44 ACE communities spread across 31 of Alabama’s 67 counties. ACE expects additional communities to apply through the competitive application process that will launch in January.
The Board and Officers will assist in leading the program as it embarks on another successful year of operation for the statewide program. The non-profit organization assists selected small Alabama communities with populations between 2,000 and 18,000 to reach their economic potential that empowers them to plan, grow and prosper.
The ACE initiative combines the talents and knowledge of our partner and associate organizations to help improve the quality of life of citizens in participating ACE communities. The non-profit ACE organization offers a wide range of technical assistance services delivered through a comprehensive three-phase process that focuses on fostering community participation, developing effective action plans (both short-term strategic and long-term comprehensive plans), and developing a diverse leadership base. Since 2002, 36 communities have earned the Alabama Community of Excellence designation, with 8 additional communities currently working in various stages of the three-phase program.
The 2019 ACE officers include: Mr. Brandon Bias of Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. who will remain as President; Ms. Carrie Banks of the Alabama League of Municipalities will remain as Vice President; Ms. Bevin Tomlin of Alabama Power will serve as Secretary and replaces Ms. Tami Reist of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and Ms. Cristin Brawner of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life will serve as Treasurer and replaces Ms. Wendi Boyen of Regions Bank.
The organization is managed by Executive Director, Ms. Sidney O. Hoover, and a 19-member Board of Directors. Ms. Hoover states, “We are eager to launch the 2019 application and selection process to expand our work throughout the state.” She also comments that, “the ACE program would not be possible without the expertise, financial support, and hard work provided by our partners and associates.”
Over the past year, ACE welcomed Spire as a new partner to the Board of Directors: We are pleased to include them on our Board.
The ACE 2019 Board of Directors includes:
Brandon Bias, President and Chairman of the Board – Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Inc.
Carrie Banks, Vice President – Alabama League of Municipalities
Bevin Tomlin, Secretary – Alabama Power Company
Cristin Brawner, Treasurer – David Mathews Center for Civic Life
Aliquippa Allen – The University of West Alabama, Member at Large
Kenneth Boswell – Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Jim Byard – Byard Associates, LLC
Brian Davis – Alabama Small Business Development Center Network, Member at Large
Beverly Helton – USDA Rural Development
Derek Johnson – Regions Bank
Wiley Lott – Southeast Gas
Lisa Miller – Alabama Municipal Electric Authority
Nisa Miranda – The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development
Tami Reist – Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
Mary Shell – Alabama Historical Commission
Ken Smith – Alabama League of Municipalities
Joe Sumners – Auburn University – Government and Economic Development Institute
Mike Swinson – Spire
Angela Till – Alabama Department of Commerce
The ACE Associates Council is comprised of individuals across Alabama who volunteer their time and talent offering a broad range of resources to help each community successfully achieve its unique goals. The enthusiastic efforts of these committed volunteers, make it possible for ACE to deliver high quality technical assistance at little or no cost to the participating communities. The new 2019 Associates Council Officers include: Chair, Mr. Joey Hester of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments who replaces Ms. Candace Johnson of The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development; Vice Chair, Mr. Brian Rushing of The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development who replaces Joey Hester of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments; and Secretary, Mr. Chris Kinder of the Alabama Historical Commission who replaces Ms. Anne Kimzey, of the Alabama State Council on the Arts.