News Summary
J. Scott Huffman has been appointed as the first president and CEO of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation, effective May 15. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare fundraising, including a remarkable track record of raising over $100 million, Huffman will lead efforts to establish this new foundation dedicated to supporting the upcoming specialty high school in Demopolis, opening in fall 2026. His focus will be on expanding the foundation’s board and securing funding to address Alabama’s rural healthcare workforce shortage.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa resident J. Scott Huffman has been appointed the inaugural president and CEO of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation, with his official start date set for May 15. This new foundation is dedicated to supporting Alabama’s fourth residential specialty high school, which is scheduled to open in Demopolis in fall 2026.
Huffman brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare and education fundraising, having successfully raised more than $100 million for various initiatives throughout his distinguished career. His extensive background includes significant roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he served as the executive director of Development and Strategic Planning for 21 years and led the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association.
The foundation’s Board Chairman, Kirk Stephens, expressed confidence in Huffman’s unparalleled fundraising career in Alabama, emphasizing the scope and impact of his work. The foundation’s search for the CEO was nationwide, reflecting Huffman’s successful track record in major capital campaigns, including efforts valued at $375 million and $1 billion.
Role and Responsibilities
In his new role, Huffman will focus on overseeing the expansion of the foundation’s board from current six members to 25 members. He will also establish an active development committee to secure essential funding for the school’s construction and ongoing operations. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is designed to address Alabama’s urgent rural healthcare crisis through work-based training and partnerships, notably with Whitfield Regional Hospital, a member of the UAB Health System.
Addressing Healthcare Needs
The school’s mission revolves around preparing students to tackle the rural healthcare workforce shortage by equipping them with the skills necessary for immediate employment or further education. This initiative is part of Alabama’s four-school network of specialty public high schools and is affiliated with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 10-school national healthcare high school initiative. The school will welcome students in grades nine through twelve from across the state, offering a curriculum heavily focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Notably, the proposed construction budget for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is $62 million. It will be strategically located adjacent to Whitfield Regional Hospital, underscoring the importance of its partnership with the UAB Health System to deliver healthcare worker training in rural regions. Governor Kay Ivey announced the proposed school in March 2023, highlighting the pressing need for such educational initiatives in underserved areas.
Future Initiatives
As part of his immediate goals, Huffman aims to actively engage community members and professionals to establish a solid fundraising foundation for the new school. This includes encouraging partnerships that can enhance educational opportunities and hands-on training experiences for students. Huffman’s commitment to addressing Alabama’s healthcare challenges is evident as he underscores the critical need for collaboration among various stakeholders.
Rob Pearson will continue to serve as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with the foundation, focusing on building the necessary relationships to support the school’s mission. The ongoing development of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences represents a significant step toward ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well-prepared to serve their communities effectively.
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Additional Resources
- Yellowhammer News: J. Scott Huffman Named President and CEO of Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Tuscaloosa News: Demopolis Could Be Site of $62 Million Health Care High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare
- AL.com: Tuscaloosa Opens State’s First One-Stop Shop for Student Family Services
- Google Search: Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences
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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
