News Summary
Alabama’s business sector is undergoing significant transitions following various promotions and appointments announced across the state. Significant leadership changes and honors highlight a dynamic economic environment in cities like Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville. Key figures in banking, healthcare, and education have taken on new roles, while notable recognitions have been awarded to local leaders, reflecting a thriving atmosphere that fosters excellence and growth across diverse sectors.
Alabama’s Business Landscape Experiences Notable Changes with New Promotions and Appointments
Alabama’s business sector has been marked by significant transitions following various promotions, new appointments, and honors recently announced across the state. A blend of leadership changes and commendations reflects a dynamic and evolving economic environment, particularly in Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville.
Key Promotions and Appointments
Jillian Lane has joined Wilkins Miller LLC, an accounting and advisory firm with locations in Mobile and Fairhope. In the banking sector, Greg Pettey moves into the role of Opelika city president after the retirement of Eddie Smith, who served as senior vice president and city president of AuburnBank. Additionally, Phyllis Gamble has been promoted to senior vice president and private banker at SmartBank’s Tuscaloosa market, while Kelli Shomaker now serves on the board of directors at SmartFinancial Inc., the parent company of SmartBank.
In Huntsville, Michael Bishop has been elevated to assistant vice president at ServisFirst Bank, and Mike Johnston has taken up the role of city president for Bryant Bank. Other noteworthy promotions include Savannah Smith, now compliance solutions manager at Spencer-SHE, and Syed Imam, who has become project engineering manager at the same firm. Kelvin Eades has also been promoted to director of training and safety at Spencer-SHE.
Honors and Recognitions
The American Advertising Federation Birmingham honored the late John Zimmerman, the owner of o2 Ideas, for his 20 years of contributions to the advertising industry in the city. In the healthcare sector, Christopher Keel of USA Health received the Young Urologist of the Year Award from the American Urological Association, while Richard Menger was selected for the Scoliosis Research Society’s Leadership, Education and Development cohort. Furthermore, Lori Purnell, CEO of Spencer-SHE, has been named the 2025 Enterprising Women of the Year by Enterprising Women magazine.
Faculty Achievements and Other Announcements
On the educational front, Martin Hebel, a faculty member at the University of North Alabama, released a new album titled “Orchestral Masters Vol. 11” through Ablaze Records and showcased his work at the upcoming Hot Air Music Festival at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Xiaotong Li, a professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s College of Business, has earned a spot on Clarivate Analytics’ list of the world’s most cited researchers, underscoring the university’s impact in academic circles.
New Leadership in Community Organizations
The Pike County Economic Development Corp. has announced Ted Clem as its new president. In law, Jonathan Maples has joined the Mobile office of Phelps as counsel and Ben DuPré has recently come on board at The Adoption Law Firm. From a banking perspective, David Rains has been promoted to shareholder in Maynard Nexsen’s Corporate & Business Transactions practice group.
Healthcare Sector Updates
In the healthcare arena, Paige Myers is now the administrator of physician services at Troy Regional. New appointments include Kerrie Cox as director of Critical Care Services at Southeast Health Medical Center and Hope Poole, who has joined the Southeast Health Cardiovascular Institute team. Jordan Condrey has been promoted to nursing director of 2 East at the same institution.
Conclusion
The recent shifts and recognitions within Alabama’s business environment signify a thriving economy with a focus on promoting excellence across various sectors. The ongoing changes and appointments reflect the state’s commitment to advancing leadership and expertise in the fields of finance, healthcare, education, and beyond.
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