Becka Christian is the Chief Strategy Officer at Active8 Communications, where she leads growth strategy, business development, and high-level client partnerships. Her focus is helping organizations align business goals with clear, actionable marketing strategies that drive measurable results.

This year, she’s been especially encouraged by momentum across client accounts in aligning marketing more closely with revenue, hiring, and operational priorities. She’s also excited about the launch of the Active8 Marketing Accelerator, a cohort-based program designed to help teams build practical, results-driven marketing strategies.

A key part of her role is working closely with the account team to develop strategic thinking and equip them to lead strong client conversations and recommendations. She serves on the Board of Directors for Downtown Rescue Mission, the finance committee for His Way Recovery Center, and participates in C12.

One part of her journey that has shaped her leadership is being legally blind, which has strengthened her adaptability, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. It has reinforced a mindset that there is almost always a path forward, even if it looks different than expected.

Heather Price serves as the Director of Marketing Operations at Active8 Communications, where she oversees content development, project management, and internal process optimization to support both client success and team efficiency.

She joined Active8 in December 2023 as a Content Manager, and her role has since evolved into a leadership position focused on strengthening operational systems, refining workflows, and improving clarity and accountability across teams, while continuing to support client storytelling and content strategy.

One of Heather’s key recent initiatives has been leading the implementation of EOS across Active8, helping define and strengthen internal processes that improve communication, alignment, and efficiency throughout the agency.

She also enjoys mentoring team members earlier in their careers, a responsibility she considers one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. Heather is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect Class C20 (best class ever!), previously served on the board of the North Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama, and received the 2022 Sales & Marketing Award from the Huntsville-Madison County Builders Association.

Heather began her career in journalism and has since worked with organizations including NASA and the U.S. Army. She also co-authored Bold They Rise, a book about the early space shuttle program. Today, she supports a diverse range of clients at Active8 and values the opportunity to combine storytelling, strategy, and operational leadership in her work.

A-P-T Research, Inc. (APT) is pleased to welcome Matthew Woody as Senior Accounting Manager. Matthew brings experience across public accounting, healthcare, and corporate finance, including four years providing assurance and audit services at PwC, followed by roles as an internal audit manager at HCA Healthcare and a financial analyst at Rogers Group.

With a strong background in financial reporting, internal controls, and analytical support, Matthew will help strengthen APT’s accounting operations and contribute to strategic financial initiatives across the organization. 

APT is an employee-owned, small business based in Huntsville, AL, established in 1990. APT provides Safety and Mission Assurance focused specialty engineering services to government and industry partners.

The Huntsville AUVSI Pathfinder Chapter is pleased to welcome Jeanine Cudahy as the Board’s new Membership Director. She brings a strong track record of building engaged professional communities and fostering meaningful member connections and will help lead the Chapter’s membership growth and outreach initiatives.

A significant outreach event for the organization is the upcoming AUVSI Pathfinder Symposium at the VBC from August 17–19. This year’s theme, Autonomy at Scale, brings together government and industry leaders to highlight advanced UAS and counter UAS solutions. The Symposium serves as a key gathering for both current and prospective AUVSI community members, offering updates on emerging technologies and ongoing developments across the uncrewed systems landscape.

Jeanine serves as the Deputy Director supporting business development activities and community outreach for DCS, an employee owned company, in the greater Huntsville area. Before joining DCS, Jeanine built an accomplished career spanning more than 25 years in the defense industry in Northern Virginia, where she contributed to a wide range of programs and initiatives supporting the federal government and private industry.

The Huntsville AUVSI Pathfinder Chapter is pleased to announce Justin Kumor as the Board’s new Education Director. In this role, he leads initiatives that expand STEM, robotics, and autonomous systems opportunities for students across the Huntsville area. He works with schools, robotics clubs, mentors, and community partners to support student events, judge competitions, distribute grants, and create hands-on experiences that help students build confidence and see what is possible for their future.

Twelve STEM student teams (approximately 60 students) will showcase their work at the upcoming Annual AUVSI Pathfinder Symposium (August 17 – 19, 2026, at the VBC South Hall).

In his primary role, Justin is a Principal Research Engineer at UAH’s Autonomous Aerospace Research Center, where he develops, tests, and transitions autonomous and unmanned systems for defense, disaster response, and education‑focused missions. A Special Operations Veteran, Justin brings a mission‑driven mindset and deep operational experience to bridging real‑world needs with applied research while mentoring the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Pathfinder Chapter is excited to announce the appointment of Jason Rhiew as Symposium Director. AUVSI Pathfinder Annual Symposium brings together Government, Industry, and Academia to discuss Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Robotics, Advanced Technologies and Digital Engineering, Counter UAS, and Airspace.

The Symposium serves as a key gathering for both current and prospective AUVSI community members, offering updates on emerging technologies and ongoing developments across the uncrewed systems landscape. This year’s event held August 17 – 19, 2026, at VBC South Hall, will focus on Autonomy at Scale. The Annual Symposium features more than 25 speakers from the U.S. Army, FBI, DHS, U.S. Coast Guard, Huntsville City, etc., and showcases innovative UAS and counter-UAS solutions from 50+ industry partners and government representatives. 

Jason has more than 17 years of experience as a defense contractor working across multiple domains (UAS, Missiles, Fixed Wing Aircrafts, Rotorcraft). He is currently a Systems Engineering Manager with Trigon Cyber Incorporated supporting UAS and Missile systems for the U.S. Army.  

Aviation & Missile Solutions (AMS) is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Thomas to president, effective June 29, 2026.

Thomas co-founded AMS in Jan. 2022 and has served as its chief financial and operating officer. His focus on infrastructure growth and operational efficiency has facilitated a three-fold revenue increase over four years. As president, Thomas will continue leading business operations while strengthening the processes, systems and organizational capabilities needed to support our employees, customers and mission as the company expands.

“With this announcement, Steve is being properly recognized for the role that he already effectively serves at AMS as an outstanding executive and corporate leader. This move acknowledges and formalizes Steve’s authority in continuing to implement his vision and proven leadership. I look forward to our continued partnership in leading AMS forward,” said Keith McCollum, AMS CEO.

Thomas has three decades of experience in the defense sector across a wide range of disciplines. He joined AMS after a 25-year career at Dynetics where he held roles such as vice president of finance, ESOP fiduciary, department manager and threat systems engineer. His financial modeling and insight optimized value creation for the 2011 100% S-Corporation ESOP transition, the 2020 acquisition of Dynetics by Leidos and the 2022 AMS divestiture.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as AMS president. When Keith and I partnered to launch AMS, it was our goal as leadership to create a culture focused on long-term career opportunities, a commitment to our customers’ missions and teamwork. I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished in just four short years,” said Thomas.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.

About AMS

Aviation & Missile Solutions (AMS) is an employee-owned small business focused on air and missile defense technologies, command and control, uncrewed systems, radar systems, surface-to-air missile seekers, modeling and simulation and prototype hardware development and testing. The company, with more than 300 employee-owners, is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.

Hill Womble, CEO of Bank47, is pleased to announce the promotion of Will Giles to Assistant Vice President and Senior Relationship Administrator.

This new role reflects his proven ability to drive results and lead as the bank grows. Will will focus on advancing business opportunities from the pipeline to the balance sheet, building strong client relationships, ensuring high-quality loan closings, and providing guidance and direction to other Relationship Administrators as the team expands.

“Will has the required abilities and skillsets to perform in this role at an exceptionally high level,” said Hill Womble, CEO. “We are thrilled to announce this promotion and look forward to his continued contributions in this expanded capacity.”

Will brings more than 11 years of progressive banking experience to the organization. He plays a key role in driving business development while strengthening client relationships, overseeing quality control, due diligence, and loan processes to ensure sound lending practices and regulatory compliance.

Starting his career as a part-time teller at age 17, Will has advanced through multiple roles across community and regional banks. His expertise centers on building and nurturing strong client and prospect relationships to bring new opportunities onto the balance sheet, paired with a rigorous focus on quality control and due diligence. This includes perfecting loan structures, protecting the institution, and maintaining adherence to all policies and regulations. He previously gained deep experience in the Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence department at a large regional bank, where he developed extensive knowledge of CRE processes, procedures, and regulatory requirements across the Southeast and nationwide. Will also built the Loan Policy and Procedures framework upon joining Bank47 and currently supports multiple areas including Human Resources, Capital Raise/Investor Relations, Marketing, and Treasury Management.

He holds Accident, Life, Health, and Annuities licenses.

Outside of work, Will enjoys playing tennis both recreationally and at the USTA league level, spending time with his pets and taking them on new adventures, as well as traveling and sharing quality time with family and friends.

Hill Womble, CEO of Bank47, is pleased to announce the promotion of Julia Gutierrez to Senior Vice President.

As the bank continues building for long-term success and recognizing top talent, Julia has been promoted to Senior Vice President in recognition of her exceptional performance and significant contributions. In this elevated role, she carries a high level of responsibility for critical areas that are vital to protecting the bank from significant liabilities. Julia consistently handles these duties at the highest professional level, demonstrating outstanding expertise and dedication.

“Julia has certainly earned this recognition and promotion,” said Hill Womble, CEO. “She delivers at the highest level, and we are excited to see her continue making a strong impact as we grow.”

Julia Gutierrez is the Senior Vice President, Compliance/BSA Officer and HR Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in banking compliance and risk management to the organization. She oversees the Bank’s enterprise-wide compliance and BSA/AML programs, ensuring adherence to all applicable federal and state regulations while supporting sound risk management and strong governance practices.

Julia has held executive leadership roles across regulatory compliance, enterprise risk, education, and advisory services, including serving as Vice President of Compliance Education and Compliance Officer for a national compliance firm supporting hundreds of community banks nationwide. She is recognized for her deep expertise in consumer compliance, fair lending, BSA/AML/OFAC, cybersecurity, and regulatory change management, and for her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, effective solutions. A nationally recognized speaker and developer of compliance education curriculums, Julia has advised boards and senior management teams across the country on regulatory strategy, examination readiness, and compliance program enhancement.

She is a graduate of the University of Alabama and a former Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves where she served for over a decade. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Devin Vatz is a Shift Leader at Bubbles Express Car Wash’s location on Hughes Road, but don’t be surprised if you see him somewhere else. When there’s a need, he’s first to step up — and that willingness to go above and beyond was why he was nominated this month by the Site Leader at Redstone, a location he’s helped to support.

That same friendliness extends to every customer he serves, and it’s team members like him who make consistently delivering exceptional service more than just words at Bubbles Express!

CFD Research is pleased to welcome Johnny Stephenson as Vice President of the Space Division. With more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, program leadership, and space mission support, Stephenson joins the company following a distinguished career with NASA, where he most recently served as Deputy Associate Administrator for Communications. In his new role, he will help guide CFD Research’s space strategy, strengthen customer relationships, and support the company’s growing involvement in major NASA programs, including initiatives focused on establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon. His leadership and experience will play an important role in advancing CFD Research’s space portfolio and future growth.

Chapman Sisson Architects would like to welcome Claire Hardin as the newest addition to its team. Claire is a recent graduate of the Auburn University College of Architecture, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture, with a minor in Dance. During her time at Auburn, she served as the college marshal and graduated summa cum laude, reflecting her dedication and academic excellence.

Claire now joins Chapman Sisson Architects, supporting the firm’s healthcare team, where she brings a strong design foundation and a thoughtful approach to her work. Chapman Sisson Architects is excited to see the impact of her talent and enthusiasm as she begins her professional journey there.

Welcome to the team, Claire!

Chapman Sisson Architects would like to welcome Emily Thovsonas one of the newest members of its team. Serving as Office Coordinator, she brings valuable experience in office management from another local Huntsville business. Emily steps into her role with a strong foundation in organization, communication, and team support.

Emily is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to growing with the firm while contributing to the day-to-day operations that keep the office running smoothly. Chapman Sisson Architects is thrilled to have her join the team and can’t wait to see the impact she will make.

Welcome to the team, Emily!

Deacon Aldridge is an emerging leader in Huntsville’s defense and innovation ecosystem, known for bridging technical expertise with strategic impact. A graduate of The University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018, Aldridge has built a career at the intersection of engineering, leadership, and strategy.

At Crossflow Technologies, he serves as an Assistant Program Manager, driving customer engagement across the Department of War while supporting complex programs such as the U.S. Navy’s TACAMO initiative and shaping internal strategy for growth.

Before joining Crossflow, Aldridge developed a strong foundation in digital engineering and systems leadership at the U.S. Army’s DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, where he led multidisciplinary teams, supported major acquisition milestones, and advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering and digital transformation efforts across critical DoW programs.

Passionate about developing the next generation of talent, Aldridge founded Crossflow’s cooperative program with The University of Alabama, creating a pipeline for young engineers and strengthening ties between academia and industry. Since launching in 2026, the program continues to expand with new students each semester.

Beyond his technical and programmatic contributions, Aldridge plays a key role in shaping Crossflow’s broader strategic direction, stepping into initiatives that position both the company and the Huntsville community for continued growth. His ability to connect people, ideas, and mission needs makes him a driving force behind the city’s momentum as a hub for innovation.

Josh Tyree is a defense industry strategy and growth leader helping shape the next phase of Crossflow Technologies’ impact across Huntsville’s defense and innovation ecosystem. As Director of Strategic Initiatives, Josh works at the intersection of corporate strategy, capture, federal contracting, compliance, joint venture management, and business operations, helping position Crossflow for disciplined and sustainable growth.

At Crossflow, Josh leads strategic initiatives that support long-range pipeline development, opportunity identification, contract vehicle positioning, and new-market entry across defense and federal customers. He also serves as Joint Venture Manager for Crossflow’s SBA Mentor-Protégé Program activities with Torch Technologies and as Corporate OASIS+ Program Manager for Photon Flux, helping manage the strategic, contractual, and operational framework behind one of Crossflow’s most important growth platforms.

Josh has played a key role in Crossflow’s strategic pivot toward faster, more agile, and more outcome-based acquisition approaches aligned to the changing needs of Department of Defense customers. His work has helped move the company beyond traditional proposal models and toward Commercial Solutions Openings, Other Transaction Agreements, SBIR/STTR pathways, CRADAs, DIU opportunities, One Nation Innovation / GoColosseum Marketplace challenges, and other innovation-focused channels that prioritize speed, mission fit, and measurable outcomes.

His contributions also include leading Crossflow and joint venture positioning across major contract vehicles such as OASIS+, GSA MAS, EWAAC, MDA SHIELD, ATSA-I, D3I2 D2, SeaPort NxG, and AFLCMC Architecture & Integration. He led Crossflow’s successful pursuits of EWAAC and AFLCMC Architecture & Integration, resulting in the company’s first three prime IDIQ awards, and led the identification and capture of M1 Abrams SIL work.

Beyond growth and capture, Josh contributes to Crossflow’s broader enterprise maturity. He serves as Director in business development, supports contracts and compliance initiatives, helped advocate for early investment in CMMC Level 2 readiness, and was instrumental in the company’s transition to employee ownership through its ESOP rollout.

Before entering the defense industrial base, Josh served 10 years as a U.S. Army Infantry leader, including assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division and the U.S. Army Infantry School. That foundation continues to shape his mission-first approach to leadership, accountability, team development, and execution.

Through his work at Crossflow, Josh has become a trusted contributor to the company’s growth strategy and a connector across Huntsville’s defense, acquisition, and innovation communities. His ability to align customer needs, emerging acquisition pathways, strategic partnerships, and mission outcomes makes him a strong example of the leadership helping sustain Huntsville’s momentum as a national defense and technology hub.

Kay Campbell is the official volunteer coordinator for the 2026 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships coming this September. This event will need hundreds of volunteers, which is a hefty task! You can find her at various events all around town educating the community on the event and what volunteering positions are open.

Find time to meet her this summer and learn more about volunteering at huntsvilleparaworlds.com/volunteers/

Kay is a former teacher, journalist and water-ski instructor.

Drew Zinn is one of the official Chamber interns for the summer. He will be assisting with several of the tasks related to the upcoming 2026 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championship event coming this September in Cummings Research Park. He is currently a student at the University of Alabama and is interested in Sports Management/Finance/Law.

Drew graduated from St. John Paul II Catholic High School. His favorite food is pizza.

Lauren Jordan is one of the official Chamber interns for the summer. She will be assisting with several of the tasks related to the upcoming 2026 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championship event, happening in Cummings Research Park, including social media. She is currently a student at Spelman College and is interested in Sports Management/Finance/Law.

Lauren graduated from St. John Paul II Catholic High School.

James Lackey recently joined Davidson as Chief Operating Officer. In this role he is responsible for company’s business unit growth, corporate functional leadership as well as IRAD investment projects.

James is an experienced senior executive leading defense aerospace capability development with focus on corporate governance, business development, and operational excellence outcomes. He is a proven leader having risen to become a Tier 2 member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) in the US Army. In this Army enterprise leadership role, he managed a $2.5B annual operating budget consisting of a 9,000-member engineering workforce to provide acquisition technical support for multiple organizations. He was also responsible for prioritizing and leading an annual science and technology budget of $300M to support future vertical lift, long range precision fires, air missile defense, close combat weapons and aviation deployed weapons development.

Prior to his SES assignment in the Army, he was a Senior Executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Director for Air Warfare. In this role, he worked directly with the Undersecretary Defense, Acquisition Technology and Logistics (AT&L). His portfolio included coordination major acquisition programs associated with Joint Strike Fighter, long range stealth bombers, next generation air refueling tankers, next generation Air Force One, long range air to air interception missiles, air to ground precision munitions.

In industry since 2017, James has led multiple, successful growth-oriented profit and loss (P&L) business units for both large and small companies focused across engineering services, software, and hardware mission solutions.

James has a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management. He has served on boards for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Tennessee Valley Chapter; the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, including as Committee Chair for the Federal Agenda; Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Aerospace Department Advisory Board Member; Association of US Army (AUSA), Redstone Chapter; and the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT).

DCS is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Castiglia as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Ethics Officer, and Corporate Secretary. Rick brings more than 20 years of legal and leadership experience across the defense and government contracting sectors, with extensive expertise in government contracts law, ethics, compliance, corporate governance, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. Throughout his career, he has provided strategic legal counsel to executive leadership teams, supported complex domestic and international operations, and helped organizations navigate evolving legal and regulatory environments.

Prior to joining DCS, Rick served for 21 years as General Counsel of the Global Defense Group at Cubic Corporation, where he advised senior leadership on a broad range of legal, compliance, and business matters. He is recognized for his strategic insight, sound judgment, and ability to guide organizations through complex legal and business challenges.

Rick’s deep understanding of the defense industry, combined with his leadership experience in ethics, compliance, and corporate governance, will play a critical role in supporting DCS’s continued growth and ensuring the highest standards of integrity across the organization.

DCS is pleased to announce the appointment of Mara Gecan as the new Director of Talent Acquisition. Mara brings more than 30 years of leadership experience providing senior‑level advisory services across the defense industry, including talent acquisition and recruiting, workforce planning, contract transition management, and strategic communications.

Throughout her career, she has successfully developed and overseen multimillion‑dollar portfolios while building strong, strategic partnerships across the federal government, financial, non‑profit, and telecommunications sectors. Mara is recognized for her ability to build trust, influence collaboration with organizational leaders, and guide diverse and complex business groups. She has led numerous workforce planning, talent acquisition, and communications initiatives that have supported organizational transformation and long‑term mission success.

Known for her reliability, resilience, and hands‑on approach, Mara demonstrates sound judgment and steady leadership in demanding environments. Her experience and strategic perspective will play a vital role in advancing DCS’s talent acquisition capabilities and supporting our mission through strong, innovative workforce strategies.

The Downtown Rescue Mission is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Ray as Executive Vice President of Mission Strategies and Impact.

Jeff brings 29 years of experience in north Alabama’s commercial transportation industry, where he successfully led strategic and operational initiatives while building a proven track record in sales and marketing leadership.

In his new role, Jeff will work closely with Mission leadership and stakeholders to advance strategic priorities, strengthen organizational performance, and produce measurable outcomes that will positively impact not only the city of Huntsville but also communities throughout North Alabama.

Outside of his work at the Mission, Jeff is a devoted husband to his wife, Ashley, and a proud father to their sons, Jackson and William. He is grateful for the opportunity to use his talents to serve God’s Kingdom.

The Downtown Rescue Mission is pleased to announce the promotion of Aaron Shively to Director of Graduates for the Life Transformation Program.

Since joining the Mission in 2023, Aaron has played a key role in strengthening programs, increasing accountability, and sharing the Gospel, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals in our community. With over 10 years of ministry experience, Aaron has dedicated his life to supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse through faith-based recovery initiatives. His dedication to serving others has led to increased leadership opportunities over the years.

In his new role as Director of Graduates, Aaron will lead efforts to ensure that graduates of the Life Transformation Program successfully transition into independent, productive lives after completing the program. He will provide ongoing guidance, accountability, and encouragement as they navigate life, while helping them remain rooted in the Word of God.

Outside of his work at the Mission, Aaron is a devoted husband to his wife, Kim, and a proud father to their two daughters, Blakely and Collins. He believes that using his talents to serve the Kingdom of God is the most important example he can set for his children.

Tina Morrison is a native North Alabama Travel Marketing Professional who has traveled and lived all over the world.  She has been in Tourism for the past 20 years primarily running Destination Marketing Organizations. Since January 2026, she has been applying her excellent customer service skills in the newly created Brand Manager position for FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. 

Tina is overseeing the 26 weekly Studio Tours, the FAME Gift Shop Sales and assisting with the SkyDog: The Shoals Experience, a 3-day event scheduled for the last weekend in August. For more information or VIP or Group Tours to FAME Recording Studio, reach out to Tina Morrison at [email protected].

Jeff Samz, President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, has been elected Chair of the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA) Board of Trustees. The election took place during the Association’s Annual Meeting on June 5, 2026.

As Chair, Samz will lead the Association’s Board of Trustees and work closely with hospital leaders across Alabama to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen healthcare access, quality and sustainability for communities across the state.

“Jeff is an exceptional healthcare leader whose experience, vision, and commitment to providing quality care to communities across north Alabama is remarkable,” said Danne Howard, President and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association. “One of the greatest strengths of our Association is that hospitals across Alabama come together to build consensus around the issues that matter most to our patients and communities and to speak with a united voice on behalf of healthcare in our state. Jeff recognizes the importance of the Association’s shared mission of strengthening healthcare for all Alabamians and AlaHA will benefit greatly from his leadership as Board Chair.”

Samz serves as President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, one of Alabama’s largest health systems. The system includes 15 hospitals, dozens of ambulatory locations and approximately 22,000 employees across North Alabama.

Samz is actively engaged in leadership roles in many civic and professional organizations, including the Business Council of Alabama, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Education Foundation.

“Alabama’s hospitals may differ in size, geography and the communities they serve, but we share a common commitment to caring for our patients and strengthening the health of our state,” Samz said. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Alabama Hospital Association and look forward to working alongside hospital leaders across Alabama as we continue speaking with one voice to advance healthcare, support our workforce and ensure access to high-quality care for every community.”

Founded in 1921, the Alabama Hospital Association is a statewide trade organization dedicated to supporting member hospitals in effectively meeting the healthcare needs of Alabama residents through advocacy, education, representation, and service.

The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers), is pleased to announce that Kristy Drake, IOM, of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, has earned the Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive designation (AACE).

The announcement was made during the Alabama Chambers Night of Champions recently held in Huntsville, AL.

The Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive program (AACE) was established in 2015 to recognize the professional competence of chamber of commerce executives in the State of Alabama.  The AACE designation is based on experience, service to Alabama Chambers, training, continuing education, and professional achievement. AACE designation is intended to strengthen the career development objectives of chamber professionals while also providing personal recognition for their career accomplishments.

To date, 29 chamber professionals have earned the designation including four in 2026: Kristy Drake, IOM, Vice President, Investor Relations, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Brenda Dennis, IOM, President & CEO, Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce; Stan Witherow, IOM, President, Albertville Chamber of Commerce; and Heather Lebischak, IOM, President & CEO, North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

Professionals must reach a minimum of five years of service to the chamber industry, complete an essay, provide four letters of recommendation, and meet the minimum criteria set forth in the application.

“Across Alabama, communities are seeing real, measurable impact from the heightened level of professionalism demonstrated by those who have achieved the AACE designation,” said Laura Strickland, IOM, AACE,  Chairwoman of Alabama Chambers. “Each year, we are proud to recognize chamber leaders who consistently pursue excellence, invest in their own growth, and show an unwavering dedication to advancing the chamber profession.”

Since its beginning in 1937 as the Alabama Association of Commercial Organizations, what is now known as the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers)  has remained dedicated to its mission of building stronger chambers across our state while advocating  that chambers of commerce are the premier local business advocates in the State of Alabama. Through The Partnership with the Business Council of Alabama, a non-partisan organization, the two organizations represent the interests and concerns of over 1 million working Alabamians every day.

Jaimee Hannah is a career librarian and information professional with a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama. She joined the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library in November 2021 as Information & Business Center Manager and became Downtown Branch Manager in November 2025. Prior to joining HMCPL, she worked at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library for nearly 10 years. Her experience spans young adult services, reference, public services, and library management.

Throughout her career, Jaimee has focused on expanding access to library resources for underserved populations and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for all community members. She believes libraries play a vital role in civic life and that library services should be accessible, relevant, and responsive to the needs of every resident.

As Downtown Branch Manager, Jaimee is committed to expanding services, increasing community engagement, and ensuring the library remains an indispensable part of the Downtown community.

IronMountain Solutions (IMS) is excited to announce that Eric Morgan has joined the company as Senior Vice President.

Eric is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with more than 25 years of experience leading complex defense programs across both government and industry. In his new role, he will support IMS’s continued growth while strengthening its commitment to mission excellence and Extreme Customer Focus®.

Leadership Greater Huntsville (LGH) has named Dr. Edwin C. Nichols, Jr. as its Chief Operating Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Nichols brings more than three decades of executive leadership to the role, most recently as Superintendent of Madison City Schools, one of Alabama’s fastest-growing and highest-performing school districts.

In this newly created position, Nichols will oversee LGH’s day-to-day operations, human resources systems, and organizational infrastructure, partnering closely with CEO Christie Finley to advance the organization’s long-term strategic priorities.

“Dr. Nichols joins us at a pivotal moment for Leadership Greater Huntsville,” said Finley. “His proven ability to build high-performing organizations, combined with his deep ties to this region, positions us to expand our reach across North Alabama in ways we haven’t been able to before. This investment in our own leadership is how we find them, ignite their potential, and inspire them to shape the future of our communities.”  

Nichols holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Alabama and has led school systems in both Decatur and Madison, managing budgets exceeding $180 million and overseeing more than $100 million in construction projects. He is a graduate of LGH’s Flagship Class 35 and a Class XXIV graduate of Leadership Alabama.

His civic engagement spans the region: he has served on the boards of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Redstone Arsenal Community Advisory Board, Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Foundation, among others. He is also a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

“I am excited and honored to join the Leadership Greater Huntsville team,” said Dr. Nichols. “As a graduate of a Leadership Greater Huntsville program and a Legacy member, I have experienced firsthand the tremendous value LGH brings to our community.”

“I look forward to working alongside CEO Christie Finley, the LGH Board of Directors, and the outstanding staff as we continue to inspire, unite, and develop leaders who make a positive impact throughout our region.”

Nichols steps into the role on July 1, 2026, as LGH continues to grow its programming and community impact across the Tennessee Valley.

About Leadership Greater Huntsville

Leadership Greater Huntsville is a 501c (3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire and ignite empowered leaders through education, collaboration, and stewardship. Through various experiential opportunities, LGH connects emerging and experienced leaders across sectors to advance civic engagement and regional progress. Learn more about LGH at leadershiphsv.org.

The McCutcheon Agency is proud to welcome Regine Erickson as an Associate Agent. Regine truly believes this new career path is a calling meant for her, providing an opportunity to serve, educate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.

Regine’s background has always been rooted in family, faith, entrepreneurship, and building genuine relationships with others. She is passionate about helping families protect what matters most, and being part of the McCutcheon Agency with Country Financial, an organization that values integrity, education, community, and strong relationships, aligns deeply with who she is.

She understands firsthand how quickly life can change after experiencing the unexpected loss of her son. That experience profoundly shaped her perspective on the importance of faith, preparation, and protecting the people we love most. It also strengthened her compassion and purpose in helping others navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and care.

Regine lives in Meridianville, Alabama, with husband, Nate, and their three children, Bella, Tanner, and Olivia. They enjoy spending time outdoors, going to parks, bike rides, hikes, nature walks, and playing tennis and volleyball together. Their home also has extra love and laughter because of their two dogs, Oak and Koda.

Regine brings heart, dedication, integrity, and a strong desire to continue learning and growing so she can best serve others and make a lasting impact in her community.

The McCutcheon Agency is proud to welcome Meredith Woodend as Agency Assistant.

With over 20 years of experience as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager and Event Planner, Meredith is excited to bring her talents to the McCutcheon Agency. She has worked across multiple sectors of business including public relations, investor relations, real estate investment trusts, hedge funds, and non-profit. Meredith is passionate about helping others and looks forward to the opportunity to become more entrenched in the Huntsville community.

In addition to her background in client services, Meredith is also an accomplished opera singer having performed for 11 seasons with The Metropolitan Opera Chorus and with various opera companies. While a part of the chorus, she served as the President of the Met Chorus Artists, Inc., the non-profit arm of the Met Opera Chorus. During her tenure as President, she helped spearhead 2 successful fundraising campaigns which raised over $500,000 to assist furloughed Met AGMA performers who were suffering financial hardship due to the Met’s 18-month shutdown during the pandemic. She has also received two Grammy Awards for Best Opera Recording for Akhnaten and Champion.

Meredith has relocated to south Huntsville from New York by way of Florida and looks forward to exploring Huntsville and learning about its rich history. She spends her free time teaching, performing and spending time with her mother and three fur babies (Bebe, Binx and Buster). She is grateful for the opportunity to become a member of and be of service to this beautiful community.

Layla Dalton serves in a Business Development Analysis role for MTSI, where she supports strategic growth initiatives through competitive intelligence, opportunity pipeline management, and data-driven business analysis. In this role, she conducts in-depth analysis of government contracting data using platforms such as SAM.gov and GovWin, transforming complex acquisition and market data into actionable insights that support capture strategy and business development decision-making.

Layla plays a key role in supporting major proposals and capture efforts by developing scoring models, preparing project artifact submissions, and creating structured past performance frameworks that enhance proposal competitiveness and compliance. She is also responsible for, and excels at, maintaining pipeline integrity through continuous data validation, quality control, and coordination with business units to ensure accurate and timely opportunity reporting across the enterprise.

Additionally, Layla develops Power BI dashboards and automated reporting processes that improve accessibility to business development data, streamline pipeline reporting, and increase confidence in enterprise-level metrics. Through regular collaboration with business units and division leadership, she helps ensure MTSI maintains accurate pipeline visibility and strengthens overall business development operations in support of MTSI’s strategic objectives.

The law firm of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. is pleased to announce Attorney David J. Hodge was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers at their Annual Meeting in Washington DC, held October 9-12, 2025.

Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers must pass a rigorous and confidential screening process before they are invited to join this elite group of attorneys. The fellowship was founded in 1950 to recognize trial attorneys who demonstrate “the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality.” Candidates must have at least fifteen years of trial experience before consideration for Fellowship, and membership is by invitation only.  

Morris, King & Hodge P.C. is a full-service personal injury firm serving clients throughout North Alabama. The firm’s main office is located at 200 Pratt Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, with additional offices in Athens, Decatur and Florence, Alabama. To learn more, visit www.mkhlawyers.com.

Offset Strategic Services LLC (OSS) is proud to celebrate Jordan A. Spivey‘s promotion to Program Manager!

Since stepping into this role, Jordan has made an immediate and meaningful impact. He has successfully supported the government customer through complex organizational realignments, expanded his team to meet growing mission requirements, and played a key role in helping the AMTC customer achieve its most successful year to date.

With more than a decade of DoW contracting experience, Jordan brings integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and steady leadership to every project. As a civilian Program Manager, he also provides valuable continuity between government and industry partners, helping foster the collaboration needed to accelerate the development and delivery of innovative aviation and missile technologies for the warfighter.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and maintaining one of the best yards in the neighborhood!

OSS is grateful for Jordan’s dedication and leadership and look forward to all he will continue to accomplish as a member of the OSS team. Congratulations, Jordan!

Sarah Perry is a dedicated community leader and advocate making a meaningful impact across the Huntsville area through her work in youth substance use, tobacco, and vaping prevention. Since stepping into her new role as Youth Programs Director at Partnership for a Drug-Free Community in January 2026, Perry has quickly demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative, and passion for community impact. She has helped expand prevention education, strengthen community partnerships, and create opportunities for youth engagement and empowerment throughout the region.

Perry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of South Alabama with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation, bringing a strong foundation in youth development, wellness, and community-based programming to her work. Known for her ability to connect with people across all sectors of the community, Perry is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of local youth and families. Her drive, innovation, and dedication to positive change make her deserving of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s “Movers & Shakers” recognition.

Resolution, LLC is proud to recognize Santana Belk for two significant accomplishments: earning her Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and achieving her Revit Certified User Certification.

Santana’s dedication to professional development reflects her commitment to continuous learning and technical excellence. She is a firm believer in lifelong growth and is always seeking opportunities to expand her technical expertise and strengthen her skill set. Her ability to combine a strong technical foundation with creative problem-solving makes her a valuable contributor to every project she supports.

As an important member of Resolution’s Geospatial Services team, Santana consistently demonstrates professionalism, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Beyond her technical accomplishments, she brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a collaborative spirit that positively impacts both her colleagues and the clients we serve.

When she is not working, Santana enjoys writing and pursuing creative projects that further fuel her passion for learning and innovation.

Resolution congratulates Santana on these outstanding achievements and looks forward to her continued success and contributions to the team.

Ryan Blackburn is a seasoned business operations and contracts professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting financial management, federal contracting, compliance, and organizational operations.

As Controller and Contracts Administrator for Resolution, LLC, she oversees accounting functions, contract administration, proposal support, and business process improvement initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness and support company growth.

Ryan earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State University in 2025. Known for her analytical mindset, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership style, she excels at navigating complex business challenges while ensuring financial integrity and regulatory compliance.

As an integral member of Resolution’s Executive Management Team, Ryan helps guide the company’s strategic business operations and long-term success. Her expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence make her a valued leader and a tremendous asset to Resolution.

Resolution would like to welcome Micah Norris to the team as its newest Ground Systems & User Interface Engineer. Micah brings more than a decade of aerospace and systems engineering experience supporting complex space and defense programs.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to system architecture, modeling and simulation, software development, operations support, and user-focused engineering solutions that enhance mission effectiveness.

With a strong background in systems integration and a passion for solving challenging technical problems, Micah will play an important role in advancing Resolution’s innovative engineering capabilities. Please join Resolution in welcoming Micah to the team!

Resolution, LLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Jim Ross to Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

A valued member of Resolution’s executive leadership team, Ross brings more than four decades of engineering, operations, and technical leadership experience across highly complex industries. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, quality, and mentorship while helping organizations solve challenging technical problems and achieve mission success.

As Chief Technical Officer, Ross will lead Resolution’s technical strategy and innovation initiatives, helping to guide the company’s continued growth while ensuring the delivery of high-quality solutions for its customers. His leadership will play a key role in advancing the company’s technical capabilities and supporting its long-term vision.

This promotion reflects not only Ross’s extensive technical expertise, but also his integrity, leadership, and dedication to developing and mentoring future generations of engineering professionals.

Resolution congratulates Jim Ross on this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to the company, its customers, and the broader Huntsville technology and engineering community.

Still Serving Veterans is proud to welcome Joe FitzGerald to its Board of Directors.

FitzGerald works at the Bradley law firm, where he is an associate in the firm’s Corporate and Securities Practice Group. His practice is focused on corporate transactions and general corporate matters, including private equity mergers and acquisitions.

Joe retired from the Alabama Army National Guard after 20 years of service. Most recently he served as a Brigade Level Senior Operations Officer and as the Commander of a Special Forces Advanced Operations Base in Trans-Saharan Africa in 2020. Prior to attending law school, he served as a U.S. Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret) and was an Operational Detachment Commander in Iraq and Qatar. Additionally, Joe was employed as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, where he worked primarily with small businesses.

Still Serving Veterans welcomes Dr. Harry L. Hobbs to its Board of Directors.

Dr. Hobbs served honorably in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He is a distinguished professional with a rich background in education and public service. He is a member of the Alabama State Workforce Development Board and the State of Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Dr. Hobbs has served in various capacities in north Alabama. He is the founder of Community Awareness for Youth (CAFY 2011). He was selected as the youth mentor of the year by the 100 Black Man Organization in 2011, and was selected as the City of Madison ‘s Veteran of the Year in 2012. In 2013, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.

Since 2018, Dr. Hobbs has served as Vice President of Employee Engagement for Huntsville Utilities.  He holds two doctoral degrees, a PhD and a DBA.

Darren Wheeler brings 40 years of military, academic and management experience to Still Serving Veterans’ Board of Directors.

While largely retired, he owns W Fidelis Consulting, LLC supporting local clients in the professional services sector of the Federal GovCon market space. In 2006, Wheeler retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and began work in northern Virginia supporting a Government PMO where he was professionally advanced with a large, publicly traded firm culminating in his selection in 2014 as General Manager and which moved him to Huntsville where he has spent time in customer support, program management and business development roles.

In 2011, Wheeler was recruited by George Mason University to establish and deliver the foundational coursework for their “National Defense Track” Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, which focused on managing and growing business in the Defense market.

He is also involved in the local community where he is currently a volunteer at Rivertree Church, President of the Huntsville Aerospace Marketing Association (HAMA) and Exhibits Chair for the Space & Missile Defense Symposium Committee.

Wheeler holds an MBA (Executive format) from George Mason University and a BS in Computer Science from Park University. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Huntsville and have two adult daughters.

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Donald J. Leo, PhD, as the 11th president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). He assumed the role on June 1.

An accomplished administrator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Leo is a leader whose career is largely defined by his 11‑year tenure at the University of Georgia, where he served as the first permanent dean of the College of Engineering. Recruited in 2013 to build the college from the ground up, he oversaw fourfold increases in enrollment and research expenditures, created new academic departments, grew annual giving and external partnerships, and spearheaded major renovations of the College’s instructional and research space.

“Dr. Leo will build on Dr. Karr’s momentum in Huntsville. He has a strong record of establishing quality academic programs, expanding research capacity and fostering impactful partnerships,” said UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant, who recommended Leo’s appointment to the Board. “Since its founding, UAH’s mission has been to be the strategic higher education partner for North Alabama. Now more than ever, this region deserves a dynamic, comprehensive, technology-focused institution, and Dr. Leo is uniquely positioned to lead UAH.”

Leo served as executive vice president and provost at Ohio University, where he was the institution’s chief academic officer and responsible for overseeing nearly 300 academic programs that enroll over 30,000 students.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of UAH at such a pivotal moment in its history, and I sincerely thank the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their confidence and trust,” said Leo. “As an aerospace engineer with a deep appreciation for the impact of groundbreaking research, I am excited about the opportunity to lead UAH. I have always been drawn to organizations that can have a tremendous impact, and UAH’s location in the heart of a dynamic innovation corridor uniquely positions it for unprecedented success.”

Prior to his appointment as Dean at UGA, Leo spent more than a decade at Virginia Tech, where he was a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department and focused on applied research opportunities with federal agencies. He served as a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, where he launched new research programs in biologically inspired materials and systems and advanced technologies aligned with national defense priorities. He also was the Vice President and Executive Director of Virginia Tech’s National Capital Region Operations and responsible for growing research partnerships across the Washington D.C. area.

“Dr. Leo brings a thoughtful, results-driven approach to leadership and a clear understanding of the responsibility and opportunity that define The University of Alabama in Huntsville,” said UA System Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. “His experience leading academic enterprises through growth, strengthening institutional focus and delivering measurable progress reflects the qualities we were seeking in UAH’s next president. The Board appreciates the leadership of Trustee Evelyn VanSant Mauldin and the presidential search advisory committee for their dedication in conducting a thorough and successful search.”

Leo has established a substantial body of scholarly work, having authored or co-authored over 200 research publications and written one of the first textbooks for advanced engineering courses in smart materials. His research focuses on synthesis, modeling and control of active material systems with an emphasis on electroactive polymers and biomolecular materials. Over the course of his career, Leo has been responsible for nearly $12 million in sponsored research funding and has contributed to research projects totaling more than $20 million. Leo has received multiple awards and honors recognizing excellence in engineering research and academic leadership, including election as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, receipt of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and multiple Distinguished Alumnus Awards from the Aerospace Engineering Department at his alma mater, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Leo holds a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A native of Park Forest, Illinois, Leo and his wife, Jeannine, have two sons, Jonathan and Matthew.

Dr. Eric Smith was recently announced as the new dean of the UAH Honors College, effective May 11, 2026. Smith is eager to offer more students what so many of his teachers gave him over the years: encouragement to dig deeper, take risks and seek higher goals.

“I’m a product of North Alabama. I’m a first-generation college student, a transfer student and, in that way, something of the living embodiment of the kind of transformative potential of higher education,” said Smith. “I’m eager to help create those opportunities for other students from North Alabama and elsewhere. I think it’s meaningful to have an example in front of you of what’s possible.”

Smith received the Howell H. Gwin and Eugene Butler awards at Mississippi State and received an Alumni Fellowship to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. There, he worked with eminent James Joyce scholar Brandon Kershner. After teaching at the University of Southern Mississippi, Smith returned to North Alabama to teach at Athens State University and then at UAH.

Dean Smith hopes to show students that the UAH Honors College can be the right place for them, no matter where they come from.

“What I want to do in this position is to extend these opportunities for honors education to as many students as we can. I think there are probably students out there who don’t perceive themselves, for whatever reason, as being honors material. We would like to give them the opportunity for this kind of education as well.”

The Honors College brings together students from any UAH major or program of study in a more intimate, elite college experience that emphasizes arts and sciences, critical thinking and communication skills blended with a practical, career-oriented education.

Thrive Alabama is proud to welcome Dr. Johnathan Edwards as our new Medical Director! In this leadership role, Dr. Edwards will oversee Thrive Alabama’s Primary Care and Pediatric services, as well as our Florence, Alabama clinics. In addition, he will provide strategic guidance and clinical oversight for our Behavioral Health program, helping to further integrate whole-person care across all of our services.

Dr. Edwards brings more than 30 years of clinical experience in internal medicine, along with a deep commitment to patient-centered care. As a Huntsville native, he has a strong connection to the community and a genuine passion for improving the health and wellbeing of those who call this region home. His extensive background, leadership experience, and dedication to compassionate healthcare make him an incredible addition to the Thrive Alabama team.

We are truly excited about the knowledge, vision, and care Dr. Edwards will bring to our organization. His leadership will play a vital role in strengthening our mission to provide high-quality, accessible, and inclusive healthcare services to individuals and families across the Huntsville area and beyond. We look forward to the positive impact he will make in the lives of our patients and our community.

Torch Technologies, one of the nation’s leading defense contractors, announced that Amanda Clark has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Group Lead of the Advanced Concept Engineering (ACE) Group. In this role, she will lead a team of over 650 employee-owners in an organization spanning 11 locations in the U.S. and abroad.

“Amanda has a proven history of success,” said Torch President Brad Walker. “She is exceptionally well-suited to build on the ACE Group’s strong foundation and lead it to even greater success. Her ability to develop high-performing teams, strengthen customer relationships, and identify new opportunities will be instrumental moving forward.”

Prior to this role, Clark served as Vice President of Enterprise Program Management, where she was responsible for working closely with operating groups executing Torch contracts. She played a critical role in the capture and teaming of new business opportunities, which are essential for company growth. She managed a contract portfolio of over $3B for multiple Army, Air Force, and Navy customers.

She previously served as the Program Manager for the EXPRESS Program and as the Torch Executive Chief of Staff, working directly with executive leadership to develop corporate strategic goals and monitor the progress toward completion. Clark has over 25 years of experience in the Automotive and Defense industries, providing Program Management, Business Development, Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Product Testing. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Torch Technologies, one of the nation’s leading defense contractors, announced that Karen Mimms has been promoted to Vice President, Enterprise Program Management (EPM). In this role, she will work closely with operating groups executing Torch contracts. She will also play a critical role in capturing and teaming new business opportunities, which are essential to the company’s growth.

“Karen’s extensive background in enterprise program management and her proven ability to lead complex, high-impact programs make her the ideal choice for this role,” said Torch President Brad Walker. “Her leadership, strategic vision, and proven track record of delivering results position her to drive continued growth and success for our organization.”

Prior to this role, Mimms served as Senior Director for EPM. As Program Manager for the OASIS contract, she managed a portfolio valued at approximately $4 billion. With over 35 years of experience in the defense industry, she has expertise in program management, business development, modeling and simulation, data management, and independent verification and validation support.

She previously served as Chief of Staff, managing corporate operations, communications, and special projects. Her leadership roles have included Deputy Program Manager for the $800 million AMCOM EXPRESS contract and Program Manager for the $377 million Development, Operations, Maintenance, and Support (DOMS) Missile Element Simulation contract. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Murray State University and a master’s in Computer Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Transcend, LLC is proud to announce the appointment of Kamilah Smith as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Kamilah will guide the firm’s long-term strategic direction and expand its human capital consulting practice, deepening the value Transcend delivers to clients across the public and private sectors.

Kamilah brings more than 20 years of experience to the position. Prior to joining Transcend, she was at Deloitte Consulting, where she led Deloitte’s Survey Research and Analytics Center as well as the Government and Public Services Workforce Equity practice, and most recently served as Deloitte’s Human Capital consulting leader in Huntsville. Her client work has spanned the Defense, Justice, Automotive, Technology, Retail, Finance, and Healthcare sectors, and she brings deep expertise in Strategic Workforce Analytics, Leader Development, Culture Transformation, and Digital Transformation. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Atlantic Union College.

Kamilah is also an active contributor to the Huntsville community. She serves as Chair of the Workforce Development Committee for the AI Huntsville Task Force and as a Children’s Church Leader at Oakwood University Church. A global citizen, wife, and mother, she is excited to drive impact and build community in Huntsville, Alabama.

Transcend, LLC is confident that Kamilah’s strategic vision and leadership will continue to drive growth for the firm and its clients throughout North Alabama and beyond.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center Commission announced the appointment of Tina Tucker as its next Chief Executive Officer. The Commission is the board that oversees the operations of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Home of Space Camp®. She plans to join the Rocket Center this summer.

Tucker, who currently serves as president of Pinnacle Solutions (an Akima company), has deep roots in the Huntsville community as well as two decades of leadership experience in aerospace, defense, and training systems development. She began her career as a software engineer and has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Austin Peay State University, and a master’s degree in project management from Florida Institute of Technology.

“The U.S. Space & Rocket Center deserves visionary, energetic, and effective leadership, and that is exactly what Tina Tucker brings,” Rey Almodóvar, Chair of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center board, said. “She has the talent, the drive, and the creativity to lead this institution into its next great chapter. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Center.”

The Board engaged a nationally recognized search firm and conducted a comprehensive competitive search for the CEO position. After a several month process and reviews of hundreds of qualified candidates from across the country, Tucker rose to the top of an exceptionally strong field. She brings to the position a proven history of partnership and team building as well as a deep commitment to the Center’s mission to inspire the spirit of discovery in us all through education and immersive engagement.

Tucker joins the Rocket Center at a pivotal moment both for the Center as well as at a monumental moment in human space exploration.

NASA’s Artemis program has rekindled the country’s passion for human spaceflight, and the Rocket Center sits at the epicenter of that excitement. The Center less than a week ago cut the ribbon for the Inspiration4 Skills Training Complex, a transformative new facility equipped to serve and inspire generations to come.

“Space Camp and the Rocket Center embody the excitement of exploration past, present and future,” said Tucker. “It has truly been a privilege to serve with the teams at Pinnacle and Akima. I’m excited to carry that level of commitment, innovation and delivery forward as I join the amazing Rocket Center crew to advance our important mission.”

Tucker will join the Rocket Center on July 6 and lead an organization that welcomes people from all 50 states and multiple countries around the world to its museum and Space Camp programs every year.

Alan Thielbar is recognized for his role in Commercial Sales with Vector Security, where he supports organizations and businesses throughout the Tennessee Valley. Including the Defense Industrial Base with comprehensive, compliant security solutions. With more than 35 years of experience designing and implementing security systems for both industry and government customers, Alan brings deep technical knowledge and practical insight to every engagement.

Throughout his career, Alan has worked directly in support of the defense of our country, including serving as a Facility Security Officer (FSO) with multiple Superior ratings. This experience has given him a thorough understanding of the regulatory frameworks, standards, and operational requirements that govern high‑security environments. He has not only worked under these regulations but has actively applied them in real‑world settings to protect people, property, and sensitive information.

In his current role, Alan partners with customers to design tailored security solutions that align operational needs with compliance requirements, helping organizations manage risk while maintaining mission readiness. His long‑standing commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer success continues to make a meaningful impact for clients and colleagues alike.

Wilson Lumber is excited to announce Carlos Serra as our new Director of Safety & Workforce Performance. Carlos will oversee the safety, learning development, and operations excellence of all five Wilson Lumber locations in North Alabama and Tennessee.

Ryan L. Terry joins WLRH as host of Tennessee Valley Mornings and News Director, bringing a background that spans higher education, public media, communications, and film criticism. Terry most recently served as General Manager of WKGC Public Media in Panama City, Florida, where he led the station through a period of significant transition while developing new local programming and community-focused content. Prior to his work in public radio, he spent nearly a decade teaching film studies, screenwriting, and media courses at the University of Tampa. “Ryan brings a unique blend of public media leadership, storytelling expertise, and community engagement that makes him an outstanding fit for WLRH and North Alabama,” said Erich Brukner, General Manager of 89.3 WLRH. “His experience creating meaningful local content and connecting with audiences will help us strengthen Tennessee Valley Mornings and continue expanding our commitment to serving the North Alabama area with programming that reflects the people and communities we call home.”

A longtime film critic and commentator, Terry runs the blog R.L. Terry ReelView and hosts the radio and podcast show ReelTalk. Through his media outlets, he has extensively covered film criticism, media, and popular culture since 2014. He is also the author of the forthcoming book Monsters, Madness, and Mayhem: Why People Love Horror. At WLRH, he will lead Tennessee Valley Mornings and contribute to the station’s local programming and community engagement efforts.

The WEDC Foundation (WEDCF) is pleased to welcome Brittany Gollins, as the very first Program Coordinator! This new role marks an important milestone as they strive to expand their impact and better serve their scholars, alumnae, and community.

Brittany is an accomplished project and operations professional, renowned for her expertise in steering mission-driven projects and cultivating impactful professional development programs. With a keen eye for detail, she has adeptly managed complex initiatives, bringing them to life through her exceptional organizational skills. Her collaborative spirit shines through as she works closely with executive leadership, tirelessly enhancing systems and elevating program delivery to new heights.

Brittany is also embarking on an exciting journey as she pursues her Executive MBA at Vanderbilt University, blending rigorous academic challenges with her passion for leadership. When she’s not immersed in her studies, Brittany embraces the beauty of the outdoors and unleashes her creativity through comedy improv, finding joy in both nature and the craft of performance.

With great enthusiasm, Brittany is joining forces with WEDCF Executive Director Jennifer to champion the WEDC Foundation’s mission and support its long-term sustainability.

The WEDC Foundation is truly delighted to welcome Brittany to their dynamic team!

Yorktown Systems Group (YSG) congratulates Dariam King, Director of Enterprise Assurance, on passing the exam to achieve the Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) certification.

The CCP credential recognizes Dariam’s understanding of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program and her ability to help organizations navigate the requirements necessary to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the Defense Industrial Base. The certification encompasses key concepts related to cybersecurity governance, compliance, assessment methodologies, and the implementation of CMMC practices.

By successfully completing the CCP examination, Dariam has further expanded her expertise in cybersecurity compliance and risk management. Her achievement reflects a continued commitment to advancing professional knowledge and supporting YSG’s mission to deliver trusted, secure, and compliant solutions to customers operating in complex regulatory environments.

About Yorktown Systems Group

Yorktown Systems Group (YSG) , and its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a leading provider of mission-critical support services to government and defense agencies. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity, YSG delivers customized and adaptive solutions to enhance our clients’ operational readiness for addressing ever-changing global landscapes and challenges.

Yorktown Systems Group (YSG) congratulates Dan Prewitt, Manager of IT and ISSM, on earning his Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) certification and becoming a Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA).

These achievements demonstrate Dan’s expertise in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework and his commitment to advancing cybersecurity compliance across the Defense Industrial Base. The CCP credential validates foundational knowledge of CMMC requirements, while the CCA designation reflects advanced proficiency in conducting assessments, evaluating organizational compliance, and helping organizations safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in accordance with Department of Defense cybersecurity standards.

Dan achieved these milestones through extensive study, practical application of cybersecurity and compliance principles, and successful completion of rigorous certification requirements. His dedication to professional development and cybersecurity excellence strengthens YSG’s ability to support customers throughout their CMMC compliance journey while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to delivering trusted, secure, and mission-focused solutions.

About Yorktown Systems Group

Yorktown Systems Group (YSG) , and its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a leading provider of mission-critical support services to government and defense agencies. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity, YSG delivers customized and adaptive solutions to enhance our clients’ operational readiness for addressing ever-changing global landscapes and challenges.

Wendy Dixon has joined Yulista as Senior Director of Human Resources. Wendy has more than 14 years of experience in government contracting with expertise in Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Compliance, Talent Management and HR Business Partnering. She has a proven background in navigating complex Domestic and International regulatory environments, advising executive leadership, and implementing workforce solutions that enable organizational growth and operational readiness.

She holds a B.S. in Business Management and the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, demonstrating her technical and operational knowledge of HR management, including U.S. employment laws and regulations. Wendy fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Eric Soden has been promoted to Group Vice President within the Yulista Aerospace Systems & Engineering Group, where he will oversee the Missile and Space Operations Business Lines and serve as President of Yulista subsidiaries, Troy 7 Inc. & DSoft Technology.

Eric brings more than 20 years of experience leading complex aerospace and defense programs in support of Department of Defense customers. He is widely recognized for aligning cross-functional teams, strengthening program performance, and partnering effectively with executive leadership and government stakeholders to solve complex challenges and drive growth.